A new volcanic arc forms at the site of the easternmost transform, and many complications develop in SE Asia (Philippines, etc.) because of transforms turning into arcs, and various subduction-flips as thick (plateau-type) ocean crust refuses to subduct. A new subduction zone develops north of Australia.
Some of the causes of the European voyages of exploration were: 1  Alternate trade routes: Europe was dependent on Middle East countries for the import of spices and was looking for alternate trade routes to Asia and Africa to obtain spices (ginger, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, etc.) and luxury goods (silk, gold, ivory, etc.) cheaply.
As these religious and political changes were occurring, technological innovations in navigation set the stage for exploration. Bigger, faster ships and the invention of navigational devices such as the astrolabe and sextant made extended voyages possible. But the most powerful inducement to exploration was trade. Marco Poloâs famous journey to Cathay signaled Europeâs âdiscoveryâ of Chinese and Islamic civilizations.