What natural phenomena is caused by tectonic plate movement?

Tectonic plate movement is a fundamental process in geology that involves the shifting and interaction of the Earth's lithospheric plates. This movement is primarily responsible for the occurrence of earthquakes. When stress builds up along fault lines due to the movement of these tectonic plates, it can suddenly release energy, causing the ground to shake. This seismic activity can vary in intensity and can have significant impacts on the surrounding areas, leading to potential destruction of infrastructure and loss of life.

While other options like flooding, climate change, and tsunamis can indeed be related to geological or meteorological processes, they are not directly caused by the movement of tectonic plates in the way earthquakes are. Flooding typically results from heavy rainfall, climate change is influenced by various human and natural factors affecting global weather patterns, and tsunamis generally occur due to underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions but are secondary phenomena. Thus, earthquakes stand out as the direct consequence of tectonic activity, making it the most appropriate choice.