Why Mexico Is So Prone to Strong Earthquakes
Mexico’s location makes the country prone to strong earthquakes because it is in a so-called subduction zone.
Subduction zones are the parts of the earth where one slab of the crust is slowly sliding under another. In Mexico’s case, an oceanic plate — the Cocos — is gradually sinking beneath a continental plate — the North American.
Over time, stress builds because of friction between the slabs, and at some point, the strain becomes so great that all the pent-up energy is released in the form of an earthquake.
Subduction zones are the parts of the earth where one slab of the crust is slowly sliding under another. In Mexico’s case, an oceanic plate — the Cocos — is gradually sinking beneath a continental plate — the North American.
Over time, stress builds because of friction between the slabs, and at some point, the strain becomes so great that all the pent-up energy is released in the form of an earthquake.
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