Tulivuoriketjut

Tulivuoriketjut, often referred to as volcanic arcs, are long, curved chains of volcanoes that form along subduction zones. These zones occur where one tectonic plate slides beneath another and plunges into the Earth's mantle. As the subducting plate descends, it heats up and releases water, which lowers the melting point of the overlying mantle wedge. This molten rock, or magma, then rises to the surface, erupting to form volcanoes. The characteristic arc shape arises because the subducting plate is curved, and the magma generation occurs above it in a parallel line.

Tulivuoriketjut can occur both on continents, forming continental volcanic arcs, and in the ocean, forming island arcs. Continental volcanic arcs, such as the Andes Mountains in South America, are typically wider and may produce more explosive eruptions due to the thicker crust. Island arcs, like the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean, are generally narrower and form chains of volcanic islands rising from the seafloor. These volcanic processes are crucial in shaping Earth's surface, contributing to land formation and influencing geological activity such as earthquakes. The study of tulivuoriketjut is vital for understanding plate tectonics and predicting volcanic hazards.