Definition of Ring of Fire

The Earth produces earthquakes from time to time in order to release the Energy accumulated inside. Under normal conditions the rocks inside the Earth are in a solid state, but when they are hot they tend to rise outwards to release heat.

These processes alter the stability of rigid masses and the movements of the Earth's plates occur. In this way earthquakes are triggered.

Earth's tectonic plates coincide with the Ring of Fire

The coasts surrounding the Ocean Pacific make up the area with the highest seismic activity on the planet. This geological structure has a ring shape in which there are a large number of volcanoes. For this reason the term Ring of Fire has been coined, also known as Belt of Fire (this name comes from the English "fire ring").

When a tectonic plate moves under another, a large amount of energy is released and as a consequence there is an intense movement seismic. This geological process is known to scientists as the "subduction phenomenon".

The main tectonic plates of the Pacific cover 40,000 kilometers that affect four continents: America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. In the continent In Africa, there are other geological belts, but their potential effects are not as destructive. Only in Mexico there are three coincident plates (the North American, the Cocos and the Caribbean).

The countries affected by the Ring of Fire

Earthquakes trigger an increased risk of volcanic activity. This situation affects the following territories in America. Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central America, the United States and Canada. On the other hand, the Ring of Fire continues on the coasts of Russia, China, Japan and finally New Zealand. This immense strip includes most of the active volcanoes in the world.

Any of these volcanoes could generate a catastrophe of great magnitude. In this sense, 90% of the Volcanic eruptions they take place in the Ring of Fire.

A seismic alert worldwide

According to seismologists, large earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are likely to occur in the Ring of Fire area in the coming years. The recent earthquakes in Mexico, Chile and Japan are interpreted as a warning of a great earthquake of a magnitude hitherto unknown.

Although earthquakes cannot be predicted, it is possible to adopt some preventive measures of safety. Japan is the most advanced country in this regard, as drills are carried out to prepare the population and the buildings are constructed with the necessary characteristics to resist seismic movements.