What is the Ring of Fire and how does it relate to earthquake distribution across the globe?

The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped region in the Pacific Ocean basin characterized by high volcanic and seismic activity. It is associated with the boundaries of several tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate, and encompasses countries such as Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Chile, and the western coast of North and South America. The Ring of Fire is where the majority of the world's earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to the intense tectonic activity along its boundaries, including subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. This movement of tectonic plates generates significant seismic activity, resulting in frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the region.

The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean, known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. It is characterized by a series of tectonic plate boundaries, including subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, and transform faults, where tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. The Ring of Fire is associated with approximately 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes and is the site of about 90% of the world's earthquakes, including many of the most powerful and destructive ones. This high level of seismic and volcanic activity is due to the interactions between the Pacific Plate and surrounding tectonic plates, resulting in the release of built-up energy in the form of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.