Volcanic activity is most prevalent in Japan among the listed countries. Japan sits at the intersection of several tectonic plates, including the Pacific, Philippine Sea and Eurasian plates. This complex tectonic environment creates a high density of active volcanoes. Japan is a major part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiencing frequent eruptions and earthquakes as plates subduct and melt. ANSWER: (D) Japan
Where is volcanic activity most prevalent? (A) Colombia (B) New Zealand (C) Hawaii (D) Japan
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Japan is one of the most geologically active nations on Earth. It is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the subduction of the Pacific and Philippine Sea plates beneath the Eurasian and North American plates drives constant magmatism. Japan has over 100 active volcanoes, which represents roughly ten percent of the world’s total active volcanic count. This includes famous peaks like Mount Fuji and Mount Aso. The prevalence of volcanic activity is so high that it significantly shapes the country’s topography, creates thousands of natural hot springs (onsen) and requires sophisticated national disaster prevention systems.