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Panama Plate
The Panama Plate is a small microplate squeezed between the Caribbean, Cocos, and South American plates. This crucial piece of crust supports the Isthmus of Panama, whose emergence about 3 million years ago had profound effects on global ocean circulation and climate. The plate experiences complex deformation from the surrounding larger plates, resulting in significant seismic hazards and active mountain building in the region.
Plate Information
Size: 0.25 million km²
Movement: Northeast
Speed: 2 cm/year
Countries: 3
Countries & Territories
Panama
Colombia (partial)
Costa Rica (partial)
Key Facts
- Caught between larger Caribbean and South American plates
- High seismic activity
- Complex fault systems
- Part of Central American arc