Earthquakes are not randomly distributed on the map; they mainly occur along the boundaries of tectonic plates. The majority of earthquakes happen in distinct zones, particularly near convergent plate margins (where plates collide, causing subduction zones or mountain-building) and divergent plate margins (where plates move apart). The most intense seismic activity is concentrated around the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire," where the Pacific plate is subducted beneath surrounding plates. Other earthquake-prone regions include the Mediterranean Sea, the Himalayas, and the East African Rift Valley. Earthquake epicenters correspond closely to the edges of tectonic plates and often coincide with locations of active volcanoes and mountain ranges, typically found near the edges of continents and island chains. In summary, earthquake distribution globally follows plate boundaries, especially convergent and divergent margins, with significant clustering in the Pacific Ring of Fire and other tectonically active regions.