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.

Measuring earthquakes

Geography

The causes of 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?

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

The point deep underground where the tectonic plates first break or slip is called the...

What are the waves of energy called that pulsate out when  the tectonic plates first slip?

Where are earthquakes felt the strongest?

What is the strength of an earthquake called?

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

Which scale is commonly used to measure the impact of an earthquake at its epicentre?

What is the layer in the centre of Earth?

Order the layers of Earth into their correct order starting with the outer most layer.

because they sit on top of Earth's moving mantle

because they are moved by the pressure of humans standing on them

Measuring earthquakes

Lesson outcome

Content guidance