How do earthquakes relate to plate tectonics?

Earthquakes are fundamentally linked to the movement and interaction of tectonic plates, particularly at their boundaries. The correct understanding is that earthquakes occur when stress builds up along these plate boundaries due to the plates either colliding, pulling apart, or sliding past one another. This stress accumulates over time due to the continual movement of the plates. When the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, it is released in the form of seismic waves, which we perceive as an earthquake.

This process is especially notable at various types of plate boundaries, such as convergent boundaries where plates collide, divergent boundaries where they move apart, and transform boundaries where they scrape against each other. Each of these interactions can lead to an accumulation of stress and subsequent release in the form of earthquakes, making it evident that their occurrence is closely tied to the dynamics of plate tectonics.

In contrast to the other statements, earthquakes do not occur randomly; they are not restricted to mid-ocean ridges or solely caused by volcanic activity. While volcanic activity can certainly produce earthquakes, the majority of seismic events are a direct result of tectonic processes along plate boundaries.