The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the country (though we may be biased). It boasts towering mountains and rolling hills, countless waterfalls and stunning rock formations. These features are thanks, in part, to our proximity to the boundary between two tectonic plates: the North American Plate and the Juan de Fuca plate. Tectonic and volcanic forces build up rugged rock masses that are carved into steep valleys by rivers fed by Pacific Ocean moisture. They also pose hazards to the region's residents. Understanding and preparing for regional hazards is part of thriving wherever you live.