RING OF FIRE 

Recently, Nine individuals lost their lives, and over 800 sustained injuries in Taiwan following the most powerful earthquake in at least 25 years. Conflicting reports regarding the magnitude of the earthquake emerged, with Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency recording it as 7.2, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) measured it at 7.4.

2. Geological Vulnerability of Taiwan

• Taiwan is highly susceptible to earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where approximately 90% of the world's earthquakes occur.
• The island and its surrounding waters have witnessed over 2,000 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or greater since 1980.
• Moreover, more than 100 earthquakes with a magnitude above 5.5 have been recorded in the same period, as reported by the USGS.
• The epicentre of the earthquake was situated just 18 kilometres south-southwest of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan. Following the main quake, multiple aftershocks were experienced, one of which measured 6.5 magnitude. 

• The Pacific Ring of Fire, extending nearly 40,250 kilometres, is a distinctive geographical feature comprising a string of hundreds of active volcanoes and seismic activity zones encircling the Pacific Ocean. Its shape resembles a semicircle or horseshoe.
• This geological marvel marks the convergence zones of several tectonic plates, including the Eurasian, North American, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, Caribbean, Nazca, Antarctic, Indian, Australian, Philippine, and other smaller plates. These plates encircle the vast Pacific Plate, creating a dynamic region of geological activity.
• The Ring of Fire traverses through 15 countries and regions, including the United States, Indonesia, Mexico, Japan, Canada, Guatemala, Russia, Chile, Peru, and the Philippines, among others. These areas are characterized by frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and related geological phenomena, shaping the landscapes and ecosystems of the region.
• The presence of the Ring of Fire highlights the Earth's dynamic nature, showcasing the ongoing processes of tectonic plate movements and volcanic activities. It also underscores the geological hazards faced by populations residing in these regions, necessitating robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies to mitigate risks and protect lives and infrastructure.

• The abundance of volcanoes within the Ring of Fire can be attributed to the dynamic movement of tectonic plates. Many of these volcanoes have been shaped through a geological process known as subduction, which occurs when two tectonic plates collide.
• During subduction, one tectonic plate, typically the heavier one, is forced beneath another plate, creating a deep trench. As this process unfolds, the descending plate undergoes intense pressure and heat as it moves deeper into the Earth's mantle.
• The combination of intense heat and pressure within the Earth's mantle causes the descending plate to heat up and release volatile elements. This process triggers the formation of magma, a molten mixture of rock and gases.
• As magma rises through the overlying plate, it eventually breaches the surface, resulting in volcanic eruptions. This mechanism is responsible for the formation of the majority of volcanoes within the Ring of Fire.
• The Ring of Fire hosts a significant number of subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. These subduction zones are prevalent throughout the Ring of Fire, making it a hotspot for volcanic activity.