What do tectonic plates refer to?

Tectonic plates refer to the large, moving pieces of the Earth's crust that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle and float on the semi-fluid mantle beneath them. These plates are constantly in motion due to the convection currents in the mantle, which are driven by heat from the Earth's interior. This movement is responsible for various geological phenomena, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The dynamic nature of tectonic plates is crucial in understanding plate tectonics, the theory explaining the movement and interaction of these plates over geological time.

The other options do not accurately describe tectonic plates. Non-moving sections of the Earth do not exist in terms of tectonic activity, as all plates are continually shifting. Tectonic plates are not pieces of the atmosphere; they are physical components of the Earth's lithosphere. Lastly, tectonic plates are not related to the water bodies of the Earth, as they are specifically focused on the solid outer layer of the Earth. This understanding is fundamental to geology and Earth sciences, emphasizing the importance of plate tectonics in shaping the planet's surface.