What theory states the earth surface is broken into pieces that crashed into an pull apart from each other releasing energy that causes earthquakes?

The theory that describes the Earth's surface as being broken into tectonic plates that move, interact, and can cause earthquakes is known as Plate Tectonics. According to this theory, the movement of these plates can lead to them colliding, pulling apart, or sliding past one another, resulting in the release of energy that manifests as earthquakes. This dynamic process is fundamental to understanding geological phenomena and the formation of various landforms.