The motion of the tectonics plates creates the volcanoes. When the descending oceanic plate reaches fifty miles below the surface, the rock melts into magma. The magma rises to the surface forming volcanoes.
EarthScope Consortium operates the NSF National Geophysical Facility (NSF NGF). Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.
