Earth’s surface is composed of major and minor tectonic plates. These plates overlying the semi-solid, plastic-like asthenosphere are in constant motion. It tends to move towards o... Earth’s surface is composed of major and minor tectonic plates. These plates overlying the semi-solid, plastic-like asthenosphere are in constant motion. It tends to move towards or away from each other thus, forming mountains or volcanoes. In the course of volcanic formation, molten rocks or magma make their way up to the surface and fill the spaces between the two colliding plates. The Philippines is in a zone within the Pacific Ocean that covers a collection of moving plate edges forming a 'ring' of volcanoes that cause earthquakes. This region is called the Pacific Ring of Fire or the Circum-Pacific Belt. The Pacific Ring of Fire is a 40,000-kilometer, horseshoe-shaped basin that is associated with oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and plate movements. This ring includes several volcanoes from the southern tip of South America, up along the coast of North America, across the Bering Strait, down through Japan, into New Zealand, and even closed by several active and dormant volcanoes in Antarctica. Around 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes can be found in this region. The Philippines is an archipelago surrounded by subducting plates that provide the ideal condition for volcanic formation resulting in highly active seismicity and volcanism in the country.
Understand the Problem
The question is providing an explanation about tectonic plates and their relationship with volcanic activity and earthquakes, specifically focusing on the Pacific Ring of Fire and its significance in terms of geological activity.
Answer
Pacific Ring of Fire
The region described is known as the 'Pacific Ring of Fire.'
Answer for screen readers
The region described is known as the 'Pacific Ring of Fire.'
More Information
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 characterized by tectonic activity that results in the formation of mountains and volcanoes.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the Pacific Ring of Fire with simple volcanic belts. The Pacific Ring of Fire is a specific region with significant plate activity and features.
Sources
- Plate Tectonics - National Geographic Society - nationalgeographic.org
- Understanding plate motions [This Dynamic Earth, USGS] - pubs.usgs.gov
- Plate tectonics | Definition, Theory, Facts, & Evidence - Britannica - britannica.com
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