How do tectonic plate movements lead to the occurrence of earthquakes?

Tectonic plate movements lead to the occurrence of earthquakes primarily due to the energy generated from friction between moving plates. When tectonic plates interact at their boundaries, they can become locked due to friction despite the ongoing tectonic forces. As the plates continue to push against each other, stress builds up over time. Once the stress exceeds the frictional force, the plates suddenly release this accumulated energy in the form of seismic waves, resulting in an earthquake.

This release of energy is what causes the shaking of the ground that we associate with earthquakes. The magnitude of the earthquake is directly related to the amount of stress that was built up before the release. Therefore, the process involving friction and the buildup of energy is fundamental to understanding how and why earthquakes occur as a result of tectonic plate movements.