What on earth is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

by Kong Ying Xuan

Activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire has been making the headlines of late. This chain of volcanoes is considered among the most hazardous areas on the planet.  However, by understanding plate tectonics, we can learn how geological action contributes to the confusing relationship between volcanoes and earthquakes.

What is the Pacific Ring of Fire exactly?
The Earth as one gigantic jigsaw puzzle

Illustration of the northwards migration of Indian plate. This diagram is for illustrative purposes only. Source: The Geological Society and US Geological Survey.

The theory behind the formation of earthquakes and volcanoes
Are volcanic eruptions are caused by earthquakes?

Lake Pinatubo is a crater lake that formed after Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991. It is the deepest lake in the country.

Is the world ending?

Houses were decimated by the tsunami that was triggered by the eruption of Anak Krakatua. Banten, Indonesia, 28 December 2018.

Disclaimer: Our stories have been researched and fact-checked to the best of our abilities. Should you spot mistakes, inaccuracies, or have queries about our sources, please drop us an e-mail at hello@kontinentalist.com
In collaboration with
Kong Ying Xuan / Freelance Writer

Ying Xuan is a former intern at Kontinentalist who enjoys learning about how humans interact with the environment. An undergraduate from the Bachelor of Environmental Studies programme at the National University of Singapore, she believes that creating a greater understanding and interest in the natural world is important for its preservation. She loves anything chocolate but the notoriety of the cocoa industry sometimes stops her from buying what she likes.

Credits
Code / Loh Pei Ying
Illustration / Joceline Kuswanto
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