This week we are exploring plate tectonics and how the
location of each country is affected by its position respect to plate
boundaries.
The NOAA
map
shows clearly how the Easter US is a passive margin and the Western side of the
country is a very active one, with the Pacific Plate, Cocos, Juan de Fuca
plates connecting to the North American plate. Not a surprise we are on the
‘Ring of Fire’, where a lot of the volcanic and seismic activity happens!
Of
course, there are a few exceptions, like the activity of Hawaii (hot spot) or
the New Madrid area (ancient rift), both not at plate boundaries, but is for
some other time.
We might not know when events like volcanic eruptions or
big earthquakes will happen, but if you know your Tectonics, you definitely
know where the do!
Other interesting Plate Maps can be found at USGS or Esri: interactive. All for now-
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