What mechanism does plate tectonics provide?

The correct choice highlights that plate tectonics offers a scientific explanation for continental drift, a significant concept in understanding how the Earth's continents have shifted over geological time. The theory of plate tectonics describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates. This movement can lead to the drifting of continents, contributing to the formation and alteration of various geological features such as mountains, ocean basins, and earthquakes.

The connection between plate tectonics and continental drift is critical because it shows how the continents were once part of a single landmass, known as Pangaea, and over millions of years, they have separated and moved to their current positions. This idea not only helps explain the geographical distribution of continents but also accounts for the historical and geological changes observed on Earth.

In contrast, while weathering rocks, identifying minerals, and sedimentation are important geological processes and concepts, they do not directly relate to the fundamental mechanisms that explain the movement and interaction of tectonic plates and the associated phenomena such as continental drift.