Volcanoes are primarily distributed along the boundaries of tectonic plates, where Earth's crust is moving and interacting. The main locations where volcanoes are found include:
- Convergent plate boundaries: Where two plates collide and one subducts beneath the other, melting mantle rock to form magma that rises to the surface, as seen in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- Divergent plate boundaries: Where two plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, often at mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.
- Hot spots: Volcanic activity can also occur in the middle of tectonic plates due to mantle plumes rising to the surface, like the volcanic Hawaiian Islands.
Most active volcanoes are concentrated along continental edges, island chains, and beneath the sea forming mountain ranges. The Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean is the most notable volcanic region. Some areas, such as Australia, are unlikely to experience volcanic eruptions due to their tectonic stability.
