Volcanoes And Earthquakes Questions Medium
The Pacific Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It is a 40,000-kilometer (25,000-mile) horseshoe-shaped ring that is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, volcanic belts, and plate movements. This region is characterized by intense seismic activity and is home to approximately 75% of the world's active volcanoes. The Pacific Ring of Fire is caused by the movement and interactions of several tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate, the Philippine Sea Plate, and the Cocos Plate, among others. These plates converge, diverge, or slide past each other, resulting in the formation of subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to volcanic activity and the creation of mountain ranges. The Pacific Ring of Fire is known for its high frequency of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making it a geologically dynamic and hazardous region.