Due to its unique geographic position, Japan is one of the most geologically dynamic regions on Earth. It lies at the western portion of the ring of fire while also being in the middle of an intersection of four major tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate, the Philippine Sea Plate, the Eurasian (Amurian) Plate, and the North American (Okhotsk) Plate.
These plates form a tectonic boundary known as a subduction zone meaning that the tectonic plates in this area force one plate under another. This constant interaction between tectonic plates, colliding, and grinding against one another, creates an environment prone to significant geological activity. The movement of these plates are responsible for shaping Japan’s dramatic landscapes, from its towering mountain ranges to its deep ocean trenches.
Additionally, this relentless tectonic activity is the driving force behind the country’s frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, making Japan a global hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity.
Photo from: The Next Big One: Government Map Forecasts Likely Future Japanese Earthquakes | Nippon.com
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