Patterns of Major Earthquakes in the Northern Hemisphere

North America

North America is one of the regions in the Northern Hemisphere where major earthquakes occur. The location of the continent along tectonic plate boundaries makes it prone to seismic activity. In North America, regions such as California, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest experience frequent earthquakes due to the movement of the Pacific Plate and North American Plate.

Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is known for the presence of the "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped area around the Pacific Plate where earthquakes and volcanic activities are concentrated. Countries in the Pacific Rim, such as Japan, Indonesia, and Chile, often experience major earthquakes due to the subduction zones and tectonic movements in the region.

Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean also sees significant earthquake activity, especially along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This underwater mountain range is a divergent boundary where the North American Plate and Eurasian Plate are moving apart, leading to seismic events along the ridge.

Overall, the locations of major earthquakes in the Northern Hemisphere are closely associated with tectonic plate boundaries, subduction zones, and crustal movements, providing insights into the geological processes shaping the Earth's surface.