An island arc is a curved chain of volcanic islands that forms along a tectonic plate boundary, typically where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another oceanic plate. This process creates magma that rises to the surface, resulting in volcanic activity. The islands are often found in the Pacific Ocean, where many well-known arcs exist. The formation of island arcs is closely related to the movement of tectonic plates, which are large sections of the Earth's crust. Notable examples of island arcs include the Aleutian Islands in Alaska and the Japanese Archipelago. These regions are characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to their geological activity.