The huge pieces that Earth’s crust is broken into are known as tectonic plates.

The point where two tectonic plates meet is known as a plate boundary.

The mantle is the layer between Earth’s outer core and crust. It is the largest layer of Earth and is mostly semi-molten lava.

The location of major earthquake zones

Geography

The causes of earthquakes

Measuring earthquakes

Earthquakes and tsunamis: Honshu, Japan, 2011

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

Approximately, how often do earthquakes occur around the world?

All natural disasters that have occured in the UK

What does the yellow circle represent in the diagram shown?

The point where two tectonic plates meet is known as a....

Where do the majority of earthquakes occur?

Which of Earth's layers is being melted and moved causing tectonic plate movement?

View the diagram and order the layers of Earth starting with the inner most layer.

The strength of an earthquake is also called its...

Which scale is commonly used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes?

Earthquakes with a magnitude of 7-10 on the moment magnitude scale are classed as...

Earthquakes with a magnitude of 1-3 on the moment magnitude scale are classed as...

The location of major earthquake zones

Lesson outcome

Content guidance