What is the Ring of Fire?

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It is shaped like a horseshoe and stretches about 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) along the edges of the Pacific Plate. This region is home to about 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes and experiences around 90% of the world’s earthquakes. Geologically, the Ring of Fire is the result of plate tectonics and the movement and collisions of lithospheric plates beneath the Earth's surface. The Pacific Plate is surrounded by several other tectonic plates, and their interactions—such as subduction (where one plate moves under another), spreading, and faulting—cause intense geological activity. This leads to frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and the formation of deep ocean trenches and mountain ranges. Countries along the Ring of Fire include the west coasts of North and South America, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand, and several Pacific island nations. Because of this, these regions are especially prone to natural disasters related to tectonic activity. Understanding the Ring of Fire helps scientists monitor volcanic and seismic activity, which is crucial for disaster preparedness and risk reduction in these areas.