Tsunamis are huge waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea.

The Pacific plate is the largest tectonic plate. It is situated between North and South America to the east, and Australia and New Zealand to the west.

The North American plate is the tectonic plate that includes most of North America.

To have an impact is to have an effect on someone or something.

Earthquakes and tsunamis: Honshu, Japan, 2011

Geography

The causes of earthquakes

Measuring earthquakes

The location of major earthquake zones

Preparing and responding to earthquakes

People and earthquakes: Turkey, 2023

Using digital maps to identify patterns of earthquakes around the world

This unit provides a foundation for 'Coasts: Diversity and change', which investigates very different physical processes and their impact on people and the environment.

This builds on 'Mountains and volcanoes: What, where and why?', extending and deepening pupils’ understanding of Earth processes, focusing on tectonic plates, earthquakes and their impact on people and the environment. 

This unit explores the causes and effects of earthquakes. Pupils learn where and why they occur, how they are measured, and what can be done to prepare for and respond to them. Case studies include Japan (2011) and Turkey (2023).

Earthquakes: how do they change the world?

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Huge waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea are called...

What was the magnitude of the 2011, Honshu Japan earthquake on the Moment Magnitude Scale?

How high was the tsunami that occurred from the 2011 Honshu, Japan earthquake?

How many buildings were collapsed or destroyed in the 2011 Honshu, Japan earthquake

Which two tectonic plates caused the 2011 Honshu, Japan earthquake 

What do the coloured dots in this map represent?

the tectonic plates are moving in opposite directions

the tectonic plates are moving towards one another

What is the strength of an earthquake called?

Use the picture below to identify where earthquakes occur.

Scientists now use the {{}} scale to measure Earthquakes.

The {{}} is the point on Earth's surface directly above the focus.

Earthquakes and tsunamis: Honshu, Japan, 2011

Lesson outcome

Content guidance