As
the giant Pacific Plate moves steadily westward, its
leading edge subducts below the Eurasian Plate and
is recycled into the Earth's mantle. This extended
area of subduction results in intense earthquake and
volcanic activity. Japan lies on the cusp of the Pacific-Philippine-Eurasian
triple plate junction, where the complex interactions
of three tectonic plates is unpredictable and loaded
with potential activity.
When the Pacific Plate encounters the
Philippine Plate, because it is older and more dense
than the younger Philippine, it subducts below and
results in the formation of a deep ocean trench. The
Marianas Trench is 36,000 feet below sea level - the
deepest known region of the world's oceans. Take note
of the ocean floor near the infamous "Ring of
Fire."
As
the giant Pacific Plate moves steadily westward, its
leading edge subducts below the Eurasian Plate and
is recycled into the Earth's mantle. This extended
area of subduction results in intense earthquake and
volcanic activity. Japan lies on the cusp of the Pacific-Philippine-Eurasian
triple plate junction, where the complex interactions
of three tectonic plates is unpredictable and loaded
with potential activity. 