Key demand of the question . The global distribution of the Fold Mountains is due to the interaction between the various tectonic plates. Volcanic activity is an example of endogenic process. 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. Geography is a compulsory subject in UPSC prelims as well as mains. 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. Distribution of Earthquakes. are emitted outward in the course of an eruption. Most volcanoes are distributed along the plate boundary. Earthquakes are found along all types of plate margins as shown on this map. Region of greatest seismicity are Circum-Pacific areas, with the epicenters and the most frequent occurrences along the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’. Structure of the answer. 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 Such vents or openings occur in those parts of the earth’s crust where the rock strata are relatively weak. Volcanoes however, only occur at constructive and destructive plate margins. These areas also have the most number of volcanic activity and Volcanic Islands. How to Study Geography for UPSC? World Distribution of Earthquakes. Discuss – here your discussion should bring out the areas where volcanoes are found and why. Earthquake generally occurs when rocks underground breaks along a fault This cause a sudden release of energy known as seismic waves → mainly occur in Lithosphere Distribution of Earthquakes coincides very closely with that of volcanoes with almost 70 % of the earthquakes occurring in circum Pacific belt The map below shows the distribution of recent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Circum Pacific Belt or Ring of Fire surrounding the Pacific Ocean. Areas of volcanism are widespread over the world, but their distribution is uneven. When compared to the map above it is clear that the majority of the world’s earthquakes … GC Leong – CH3: volcanoes and earthquakes. A volcano is an opening in the earth’s crust through which gases, molten rocks materials (lava), ash, steam etc. Global Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes The question expects us to discuss the distribution of volcanoes and the reasons behind such a distribution. 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. From the map, you will notice volcanoes and earthquakes mainly occur in narrow bands. A Step-by-step Guide to Study Geography for Mains and Prelims. Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes | UPSC – IAS. The Circum Pacific area, along with the Pacific Ring of Fire, is the region of greatest systemic activity with most frequent occurrences of earthquakes. The world’s distribution of earthquakes coincides very closely with that of volcanoes. Hawaii). These are called hot spots. Distribution of earthquakes . The distribution of earthquakes in the world coincides closely with that of volcanoes. Directive word. Example: The Rocky Mountains, the Andes at the edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Volcanic activity is primarily associated with plate boundaries. 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