Circum Pacific Belt or Ring of Fire surrounding the Pacific Ocean. Areas of volcanism are widespread over the world, but their distribution is uneven. Thus, there is a close relationship between the volcanoes, earthquakes and the Fold Mountains. The distribution of earthquakes in the world coincides closely with that of volcanoes. Discuss – here your discussion should bring out the areas where volcanoes are found and why. Most volcanoes are distributed along the plate boundary. The map below shows the distribution of recent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. How to Study Geography for UPSC? Such vents or openings occur in those parts of the earth’s crust where the rock strata are relatively weak. The question expects us to discuss the distribution of volcanoes and the reasons behind such a distribution. When compared to the map above it is clear that the majority of the world’s earthquakes … The global distribution of the Fold Mountains is due to the interaction between the various tectonic plates. An example of a highly active earthquake zone is the west coast of North America and South America Occasionally, volcanoes are found in the middle of plates (e.g. 1.8 Extinct, Dormant and Active volcanoes 1.9 Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes across the World • Pacific Ring of Fire • Other regions • Mediterranean volcanism • Volcanos in India 1.10 Destructive Effects of Volcanoes 1.11 Positive Effects of Volcanoes 1.12 Rocks • Igneous Rocks or Primary rocks The world’s distribution of earthquakes coincides very closely with that of volcanoes. World Distribution of Earthquakes. These areas also have the most number of volcanic activity and Volcanic Islands. Volcanic activity is an example of endogenic process. Key demand of the question . Hawaii). Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes | UPSC – IAS. Example: The Rocky Mountains, the Andes at the edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire. A volcano is an opening in the earth’s crust through which gases, molten rocks materials (lava), ash, steam etc. These are called hot spots. Distribution of earthquakes . Volcanoes however, only occur at constructive and destructive plate margins. Global Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes The Circum Pacific area, along with the Pacific Ring of Fire, is the region of greatest systemic activity with most frequent occurrences of earthquakes. are emitted outward in the course of an eruption. Distribution of Earthquakes. From the map, you will notice volcanoes and earthquakes mainly occur in narrow bands. The world maps of the distribution of earthquakes prepared by the seismologists on the basis of computer analysis and simulation of 30,000 earthquakes have identified the three main zones of earthquake. A Step-by-step Guide to Study Geography for Mains and Prelims. Through the movement, internal forces are explained which are responsible for the distribution of earth’s crust, formation of mountain chains and distribtion of earthquakes and volcanism. Volcanic activity is primarily associated with plate boundaries. GC Leong – CH3: volcanoes and earthquakes. Geography is a compulsory subject in UPSC prelims as well as mains. Directive word. Structure of the answer. Region of greatest seismicity are Circum-Pacific areas, with the epicenters and the most frequent occurrences along the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’. Earthquakes are found along all types of plate margins as shown on this map. 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