Plate Tectonics / Volcanism

Kick 'em Jenny is an active submarine volcano in the Grenadines that rises above the surrounding floor of the Caribbean Sea. As the southernmost active volcano in the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc and the only active submarine volcano, it stands as a unique geological wonder beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea.

The Altiplano—Puna volcanic complex is a testament to the awe-inspiring geological processes shaping the southern portion of the Altiplano—Puna plateau in the central Andes. It spans Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile and was formed when the Nazca Plate subducted beneath the South American Plate. The complex boasts diverse volcanic features and is the largest active magma reservoir. Scientific exploration continues to unravel the region's geological history, revealing insights into subterranean processes.

The Andean Volcanic Belt, along South America's western coast, forms as the Nazca and Antarctic plates subduct beneath the South American Plate. This process generates various volcanic zones, illustrating the intricate interplay of Earth's crustal plates. The belt showcases diverse geological phenomena, from the hazards in the Northern Volcanic Zone to the silicic systems in the Central Volcanic Zone and the glaciated stratovolcanoes in the Austral Volcanic Zone.

The Antarctic Plate, covering approximately 60.9 million square kilometers (23.5 million square miles), forms the tectonic foundation beneath Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean. This massive continental plate exhibits unique geological processes operating under extreme polar conditions, ranging from subglacial volcanism to interactions between ice sheets and tectonics, while playing a crucial role in global ocean circulation and climate systems.

The Caribbean Plate forms a unique oceanic tectonic entity covering approximately 3.32 million square kilometers (1.28 million square miles) beneath the Caribbean Sea and portions of Central America. This predominantly oceanic plate represents one of Earth's most tectonically complex regions, where interactions between four major plates create a diverse array of geological processes, from active volcanism to transform faulting and subduction dynamics.

The Caribbean Sea contains a remarkable feature beneath its surface, known as the Cayman Trench and the Cayman Ridge. The Cayman Trench, also known as the Cayman Trough, Bartlett Deep, or Bartlett Trough, is a submarine trench on the floor of the western Caribbean Sea between Jamaica and the southeastern tip of Cuba. The Cayman Ridge is an undersea mountain range on the northern margin of the Cayman Trough and includes the Cayman Islands.

Stretching from Guatemala's volcanic highlands to Panama's Cordillera de Talamanca, the Central America Volcanic Arc represents one of the world's most active and scientifically significant volcanic chains. This geological marvel, also known as the Central Volcanic Range, encompasses more than 70 Holocene volcanoes that have fundamentally shaped the landscape, climate, and human history of Central America. The arc's formation results from the relentless subduction of oceanic crust that transforms seafloor sediments into towering volcanic peaks.

The Chile Triple Junction is where the South American, Nazca and Antarctic tectonic plates meet, marked by subduction and divergence. The Taitao Peninsula, extending westward, features diverse landscapes and significant ecological importance. The Tres Montes Peninsula, located southwest, contributes unique vegetation and geological features. Together, they tell a captivating story of tectonic convergence and spreading dynamics, showcasing the Earth's ever-evolving geological saga.

The Cocos Plate, covering approximately 2.86 million square kilometers (1.10 million square miles) of the eastern Pacific Ocean, drives one of Earth's most active volcanic systems through rapid subduction beneath Central America. This small oceanic plate, named after Costa Rica's Cocos Island, illustrates how relatively minor tectonic elements can have a profound influence on regional geology, creating spectacular volcanic landscapes and significant seismic hazards.

The Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc is a chain of volcanic islands stretching from the Virgin Islands to Grenada in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is formed by the subduction of the North American Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate, which creates the volcanoes that make up the islands. This volcanic arc, along with other geological forces, contributes to the shaping of the Caribbean Sea.