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?

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which layer is the outermost layer of the Earth?

Which layer of the Earth sits between the crust and the outer core?

Match each layer of the Earth to the correct description.

shockwaves passing through the Earth's mantle

the movement of tectonic plates as they move together or past each other

The Earth's crust is broken up into huge pieces. What are these called?

The layer of the Earth on which humans live is called the ...

The causes of earthquakes

Lesson outcome

Content guidance