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The theory of plate tectonics is used to understand geological processes, such as ridges forming, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains forming, and also to predict and minimize damage done by some of these natural disasters. Using plate tectonics to study earthquakes can help scientists predict roughly when an earthquake will occur, and also the severity of it. This is done by studying the outline of the plates involved. Plate tectonics also explains the Mid Atlantic Ridge in Iceland, which formed because plates separated, leaving magma to rise and cool. Mountains are formed when plates of similar strength and thicknes collide but do no buckle, and so formed mountains as they press together upward. Volcanic islands are formed by gaps in the boundaries of plates, and as the magma spews forth and cools, the buildup eventually creates an island.

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