The Juan de Fuca Plate is a small tectonic plate located off the coast of the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is situated between the larger Pacific Plate to the west and the North American Plate to the east. This plate is primarily known for its role in the geological activity of the region, including earthquakes and volcanic activity. The plate is named after the Spanish explorer Juan de Fuca, who is believed to have explored the area in the late 16th century. The interactions between the Juan de Fuca Plate and its neighboring plates contribute to the formation of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is being pushed beneath the North American Plate.