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Molucca Sea Plate

The Molucca Sea Plate has the rare distinction of being surrounded by subduction zones on all sides - it is being consumed by neighboring plates from every direction. This unique "double subduction" situation makes it one of the most tectonically complex regions on Earth. The plate is shrinking and will eventually disappear entirely as it continues to be subducted beneath the surrounding plates.

Molucca Sea Plate map

Plate Information

Size: 0.2 million km²
Movement: Complex
Speed: Variable
Countries: 0

Countries & Territories

This plate is entirely oceanic with no land masses.

Key Facts

  • Surrounded by subduction zones on all sides
  • Unique double subduction
  • High seismic activity
  • Part of the Indonesian archipelago