How the Atlantic Ocean is blocked off by volcanoes called the Ring of Fire

THE entire Atlantic Ocean will be closed off by a raging volcanic range known as the Ring of Fire.

The unique phenomenon occurs due to the movement of the tectonic plates that would lead to the closure of the ocean in the Strait of Gibraltar.

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But those planning a Spanish getaway need not worry: it will take another 20 million years.

The geological phenomenon occurs when tectonic plates push against another and form new subduction zones, causing the ocean to close itself off.

The newly formed area is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes National Geographic.

As the rock melts and turns into magma, it is so close to the Earth's surface that it is the perfect place for high volcanic activity.

There is currently one ring of fire in the world in the Pacific Ocean stretching from Australia to South America.

It covers a number of countries, from the US and Japan to Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Russia, the Philippines and New Zealand.

It is home to 75 percent of the soil's volcanoes and where 90 percent of Earth's earthquakes occur.

However, experts predict that there could be some competition in the future A new subduction zone will form beneath the Strait of Gibraltar in the Atlantic Ocean, eventually creating a new Ring of Fire.

Dr. João Duarte of the University of Lisbon and his team found that Gibraltar's subduction zone used to be very active, but has “slowed down significantly over the past millions of years.”

But the team's research concluded that “the arc will spread further into the Atlantic Ocean after a period of quiescence.”

Speak with IFLScienceDuarte explained that the subduction formed in the Atlantic Ocean about 50 million years ago.

He said: “To win over the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, they will have to spread out and eventually force the Mid-Atlantic Ridge into submission. This could take more than 20 million years.”

He explained in a statement: “There are two other subduction zones on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

'The Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean and the Scotia Arc, near Antarctica. However, these subduction zones invaded the Atlantic Ocean several million years ago.

“Studying Gibraltar is an invaluable opportunity because it allows the process to be observed in its early stages, when it is just happening.”

Duarte added: 'Subduction invasion is inherently a three-dimensional process that requires sophisticated modeling tools and supercomputers that were not available a few years ago.

“We can now simulate the formation of the Gibraltar Arc in great detail and also how it may develop at depth future.”