On Thursday, a seismic event with a magnitude of 7.1 occurred in the vicinity of the Kermadec Islands region in New Zealand. According to reports, the earthquake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 10 km (equivalent to 6.21 miles). Following the tremor, a tsunami alert was promptly issued for uninhabited islands situated within a radius of 300 km. New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, lies to the southwest of the Kermadec Islands.
The Kermadec Islands region, being in proximity to the Pacific Ring of Fire, is a seismically active area. As a result, New Zealand, like many other countries situated along the Ring of Fire, is susceptible to earthquakes.
The Pacific Ring of Fire, also known as the circum-Pacific belt, is a horseshoe-shaped zone of intense seismic activity that stretches along the Pacific Ocean basin. It is characterized by frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, making it one of the most active geological regions in the world.
The Ring of Fire spans over 40,000 kilometers and encompasses the coasts of several countries, including Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and Chile. The Ring of Fire is home to over 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes and experiences about 90% of the world’s earthquakes, many of which are of high magnitude.
The Ring of Fire’s geology is marked by the interaction between the Pacific Plate and several other tectonic plates, including the North American, South American, Eurasian, and Australian plates. The Pacific Plate, which is the largest and most active tectonic plate on Earth, is subducting or diving beneath the other plates, leading to the formation of trenches and volcanic arcs.
The Ring of Fire’s geological activity poses significant risks to the millions of people who live in the affected regions. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis can cause widespread destruction, loss of life, and economic disruption. However, scientists continue to study the Ring of Fire in a bid to better understand its geology and develop early warning systems to mitigate its impact on the human population.
