The volcanoes of the West Indies result from the subduction of oceanic lithosphere, created at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, beneath the east edge of the Caribbean Plate. The volcanoes of Central America are the result of subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the west edge of the Caribbean Plate.
Arrows show the direction of plate motion.
Most of these volcanoes are subearial and form parts of islands. Most of the volcanoes are stratovolcanoes. This regions has had only 34 historic eruptions. The 1902-1905 eruption of Mt. Pelee is one of the world's most deadly eruptions . The 1902 eruption at Soufriere, St. Vincent also caused a large number of fatalities.