The Pacific Ring of Fire

What is it?

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone of tectonic activity, marked by a series of faults. It makes the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding areas highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Location and Extent:

• The Ring of Fire stretches:
• From New Zealand, moving along the eastern edge of Asia (e.g., Japan, the Philippines).
• Across the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
• Down the coasts of North and South America (e.g., California, Chile).

Key Facts:

• It contains over 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes, making it the most geologically active region on Earth.

Significance in Geography:

• The Ring of Fire is a prime example of plate tectonics in action, with processes like subduction driving its activity.
• It provides case studies for volcanoes, earthquakes, and their impact on human populations and environments.