Question

Why is there an earthquake and volcano pattern?

Knowing that volcanoes are found around the Ring of Fire, what does this tell you about how plates are moving at those locations?
What other features would you expect to find near the Ring of Fire,

Answer 1

The abundance of volcanoes and earthquakes along the Ring of Fire is caused by the amount of movement of tectonic plates in the area. Along much of the Ring of Fire, plates overlap at convergent boundaries called subduction zones. That is, the plate that is underneath is pushed down, or subducted, by the plate above.

:)

Answer 2

As plates move, they get stuck in places, and enormous amounts of energy build up. When the plates finally get unstuck and move past each other, the energy is released in the form of earthquakes. Earthquakes and volcanoes are common features along tectonic plate boundaries, making these zones geologically very active.

The plates are constantly sliding past, colliding into, or moving above or below each other. This movement results in deep ocean trenches, volcanic eruptions, and earthquake epicenters along the boundaries where the plates meet, called fault lines.