* Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates: Earthquakes happen because the Earth's outer layer (the lithosphere) is broken into giant plates that move and interact. Mountains are formed by these very interactions, often where plates collide.
* Mountains are part of the problem, not the solution: Mountain ranges are actually evidence of tectonic activity. They form when plates collide and push up the Earth's crust. The forces that create mountains are the same forces that cause earthquakes.
* Earthquakes happen in many places: Earthquakes happen not only near mountains, but also in the middle of continents, in the ocean floor, and even where plates are pulling apart.
* Stability is relative: The Earth's crust is constantly shifting and moving, so "stability" is a relative term. While mountains might be more stable than valleys due to their solid rock structures, they are still subject to the same forces that cause earthquakes.
In summary, mountains are a result of tectonic activity, and they don't prevent earthquakes. They are actually a visible indicator of the forces that cause earthquakes.
