Earth’s crust is the outermost layer of our planet.

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

Shock waves are areas of sudden high pressure or temperature that travel through water, air or the ground.

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

The causes of earthquakes

Geography

Measuring earthquakes

The location of major earthquake zones

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?

The point inside Earth’s crust where the earthquake starts is called the focus.

The epicentre is the point on Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Seismic waves are vibrations that travel through Earth generated by an earthquake or an explosion.

Magnitude is a measure of the size of the seismic waves generated by an earthquake.

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.

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.

An early warning system detects earthquakes so that people an be prepared.

Something that is earthquake-proof can withstand the impact of earthquakes.

Emergency supplies are the items that are essential in an emergency.

Aid organisations are charities that respond to support countries following earthquakes, other natural disasters and wars.

The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together charities to provide support for countries affected by earthquakes and other disasters.

An aftershock is a smaller earthquake following after an initial larger earthquake.

a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to see and understand geographical patterns

geographical information that can be added to a digital map

Earthquakes GIS video 2

Help using Oak

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Earthquakes: how do they change the world?

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