Story: Volcanoes

The Pacific Ring of Fire (1st of 2)

The Pacific Ring of Fire

It has long been known that there is a belt of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean – the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is now recognised that these volcanoes are caused by subduction around the edge of the Pacific tectonic plate.

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Source: National Geophysical Data Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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How to cite this page:

Richard Smith, David J. Lowe and Ian Wright, 'Volcanoes - Pacific Ring of Fire', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/8692/the-pacific-ring-of-fire (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Richard Smith, David J. Lowe and Ian Wright, published 12 Jun 2006