Why do earthquakes occur frequently in Central America?

Central America experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because the region is located where several tectonic plates meet and exert significant pressure on one another.1

These plates can suddenly rupture and slip, which releases energy in the form of earthquakes. The region's complex tectonic setting, which includes an east-dipping subduction zone and the Middle America Trench, also facilitates the formation of volcanoes along these plate boundaries. While these geological processes pose risks, the resulting weathered volcanic lavas create fertile soil, making the highlands of these volcanic zones highly productive for agriculture and supporting dense human populations.1234