What is a common effect of plate tectonics on the Earth's surface?

Plate tectonics is a fundamental process that shapes the Earth's surface through the movement of the tectonic plates that make up the planet's outer shell. One of the significant effects of this movement is the generation of earthquake activity. As tectonic plates interact with one another—whether they converge, diverge, or slide past each other—stress builds up in the Earth's crust. When the stress exceeds the strength of rocks, it is released in the form of seismic waves, which we experience as earthquakes. This is particularly evident at plate boundaries, where the likelihood of earthquakes is much higher due to the constant movement and interaction of the plates.

In contrast to the correct choice, the other options are less directly tied to the immediate effects of plate tectonics. Increased regional temperatures are typically related to factors like climate change or local geological features rather than tectonic activity. Flood plains are formed by the deposition of sediment from rivers, a process not directly associated with the movement of tectonic plates. Reduced ocean levels can result from various factors, including climate changes or glacial periods, but they do not stem directly from the mechanisms of plate tectonics. Thus, the creation of earthquake activity is the most accurate and relevant impact associated with the dynamic processes of plate tectonics.