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Nazca Plate

The Nazca Plate is a tectonic plate located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, primarily beneath the Nazca and South American continents. It is known for its role in geological activity, including earthquakes and the formation of the Andes Mountains. The plate is moving eastward, slowly colliding with the South American Plate, causing subduction, where one plate is pushed under another. This process leads to volcanic activity and mountain building, significantly shaping the landscape of South America. Understanding the Nazca Plate helps scientists predict seismic events and comprehend Earth's dynamic systems.