According to the theory of plate tectonics, two plates can interact in several ways to form Earth's largest mountain ranges. One way is when two plates collide with each other. This usually occurs when an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, leading to the formation of mountain ranges such as the Andes or the Himalayas. Another way is when two plates move apart from each other. This process, known as seafloor spreading, can lead to the formation of underwater mountain ranges like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Additionally, two plates can also scrape past each other horizontally, causing rocks to deform and buckle, resulting in the formation of mountains along a fault line, such as the San Andreas Fault in California.
