Plate tectonics is responsible for the formation of the continents and oceans. When two tectonic plates collide, one plate may be forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. This can cause the formation of mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes. If the two plates are moving in opposite directions, they can create a rift valley. Rift valleys can eventually become oceans, as the plates continue to move apart.
The movement of the tectonic plates is also responsible for the changing shape of the continents over time. Millions of years ago, the continents were all connected in a single landmass called Pangaea. Pangaea began to break apart about 200 million years ago, and the continents have been drifting apart ever since. This process will continue for millions of years to come, and the continents will eventually come back together in a new supercontinent.