Pacific Ring of Fire

What is "Ring of Fire"?

source:http://www.jesusrev.com/uploads/5/4/5/6/5456099/4421245.jpg?38

The Ring of Fire refers to a geographical area of high volcanic and seismic activity around the edges of the Pacific Ocean.

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. In a 40,000 km (25,000 mi) horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and plate movements. It has 452 volcanoes (more than 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes).

But wait! What is the meaning of the "Ring of Fire"?

The area encircling the Pacific Ocean is called the "Ring of Fire," because its edges mark a circle of high volcanic and seismic activity (earthquakes). Most of the active volcanoes on Earth are located on this circumference.

What does the ring of fire have to do with plate tectonics?

When tectonic plates move against each other at boundaries, they cause earthquakes and eruptions of magma, which form into volcanoes. The tectonic boundaries of the Ring of Fire are so active because they are mostly subduction zones.

Here are some active volcanoes found near the Pacific Ring of Fire...

• Christchurch Earthquake, New Zealand

• Mount Saint Helens, Washington, USA

• Mount Pinatubo, Philippines

• Mt. Fuji, Japan

• Paricutin Volcano, Mexico

• Santiago Earthquake, Chile

• Sendai Earthquake, Japan​

That's all! Get ready for the next topic :)

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References:

www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/volcano/ringoffire/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_of_Fire

study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-the-ring-of-fire-definition-facts-location.html

http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/ringfire.htm

[1] The Ring of Fire is sometimes called the circum-Pacific belt.