Plate Tectonics - Earthquake & Volcano Distribution PDF

WIKI: DISTRIBUTION OF EARTHQUAKE EPICENTERS, VOLCANOES, AND MOUNTAIN BELTS Most of the volcanic eruptions, earthquake epicenters, and mountain ranges are found near the plate boundaries. A Plate Boundary is a fracture or boundary that separates two tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are segments...

WIKI: DISTRIBUTION OF EARTHQUAKE EPICENTERS, VOLCANOES, AND MOUNTAIN BELTS Most of the volcanic eruptions, earthquake epicenters, and mountain ranges are found near the plate boundaries. A Plate Boundary is a fracture or boundary that separates two tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are segments of the Earth’s crust— less dense, thicker continental crust and dense, thin oceanic crust, and the upper mantle. The plates move by convection currents within the mantle. Plates separate at constructive margins forming a new crust and causing volcanic eruptions. Plates collide at destructive margins, which causes subduction, earthquakes, volcanic mountains, and fold mountains. The Earth’s crust is split into seven major and eight minor tectonic plates. (Image Source: AQA Geography Distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes 2.1 (Unit One/Paper One). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://thelittlejedi.co.uk/aqa-geography-distribution-of-earthquakes-and-volcanoes-2-1-unit-onepaper-one/) Major Tectonic Plates Minor Tectonic Plates -​ Eurasian Plate -​ Nazca Plate -​ North American Plate -​ Scotia Plate _____________________________________________________________________________________________ This document contains proprietary and confidential information. Reproduction, redistribution, or forwarding to any third party, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited unless made with prior written consent from National Teacher College. Violation or noncompliance shall be dealt with according to law. Page 1 of 2  -​ South American Plate -​ Philippine Plate -​ African Plate -​ Caribbean Plate -​ Pacific Plate -​ Arabian Plate -​ Indo-Australian Plate -​ Indian Plate -​ Antarctic Plate -​ Juan De Fuca Plate -​ Cocos Plate The area where the most destructive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur is called the Pacific Ring of Fire. (Image Source: D. W. (n.d.). Volcanoes and Earthquakes: The Pacific Ring of Fire: DW: 13.01.2020. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/volcanoes-and-earthquakes-the-pacific-ring-of-fire/a-36676363) This arc traces boundaries between several tectonic plates—including the Pacific, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, Indian-Australian, Nazca, North American, and Philippine Plates. 75% of Earth’s volcanoes—more than 450 volcanoes—are located along the Ring of Fire. 90% of Earth’s earthquakes occur along its path, including the planet’s most violent and dramatic seismic events. The abundance of volcanoes and earthquakes along the Ring of Fire is caused by the amount of movement of tectonic plates in the area. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ This document contains proprietary and confidential information. Reproduction, redistribution, or forwarding to any third party, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited unless made with prior written consent from National Teacher College. Violation or noncompliance shall be dealt with according to law. Page 2 of 2