The Pacific Ring of Fire is a roughly 40,000 km horseshoe-shaped belt of subduction zones ringing the Pacific Ocean, where about 90% of the world's earthquakes and most of its active volcanoes occur. The map above traces the belt of subduction zones that forms the ring and plots live ring of fire earthquakes along it - follow it from New Zealand and Indonesia up through Japan and the Aleutians, then down the Americas to the Andes. For instant alerts when a quake strikes near you, the free QuakeMate app sends real-time push notifications.
Countries on the Ring of Fire
See live earthquakes - plus volcanoes and tsunami risk - for the countries along the ring.
Explore the tectonic plates
Ring of Fire earthquakes: frequently asked questions
What is the Ring of Fire?
The Ring of Fire is a roughly 40,000 km horseshoe-shaped belt of subduction zones and volcanic arcs around the edges of the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from New Zealand up through Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, across to Alaska, and down the west coasts of North and South America.
Why do so many earthquakes happen in the Ring of Fire?
The Ring of Fire marks the boundaries where the Pacific and several smaller plates collide with and dive beneath neighbouring plates. This subduction builds enormous stress that releases as earthquakes, which is why about 90% of the world’s earthquakes and most of its largest ones occur here.
How many of the world’s earthquakes occur in the Ring of Fire?
Roughly 90% of all earthquakes - and about 80% of the largest, most powerful earthquakes - happen along the Ring of Fire. The belt is also home to around 75% of the planet’s active and dormant volcanoes.
Which countries are in the Ring of Fire?
Countries on or near the Ring of Fire include Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Chile, Peru, Mexico, the United States (Alaska, California and the Pacific Northwest), New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and far-eastern Russia.
More on how earthquakes work? Read the earthquake Q&A →