A belt of volcanoes is found through the middle of which ocean?

• A. Indian Ocean
• B. Arctic Ocean
• C. Atlantic Ocean
• D. Pacific Ocean

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of how volcanic belts form along plate boundaries, especially at mid-ocean ridges where new crust is created. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean, a divergent plate boundary where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As they separate, mantle material rises and partly melts to form magma that erupts and builds underwater volcanoes, creating a continuous belt of volcanic activity along the ridge.

That’s why the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is the location described. Other oceans have volcanic activity as well, but the Pacific’s prominent volcanic activity tends to form a ring around the margins (the Ring of Fire) rather than a single belt through the middle.