2.1.2 Distribution of Earthquakes & Volcanoes

Earthquake & Volcano Distribution

Earthquake & Volcano Distribution

Earthquake distribution

• Earthquakes occur at all types of plate boundaries

  • Most occur along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' (approximately 90%)

Earthquake Distribution

Volcano distribution

• Most volcanoes occur at divergent (constructive) and convergent (destructive) plate boundaries

• The majority of active volcanoes (approximately 75%) are located around the rim of the Pacific Ocean called the 'Ring of Fire'

• Hotspots occur away from plate boundaries and are plumes/columns of magma which escape through the Earth's crust

Active Volcano Distribution