The structure of the Earth

Geography

This unit teaches pupils about tectonic hazards, their location, causes and effects. Pupils learn about the different types of hazard before focusing on earthquakes and volcanoes. Pupils will learn about tectonic processes, hazard impacts and the options for mitigation and adaptation.

Tectonic hazards

a large, rigid slab of Earth's lithosphere (outer layer) that sits on the semi-solid asthenosphere beneath it

the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids: warmer, less dense material rises and cooler, denser material sinks, creating a circular flow

Plate tectonics theory

the point on Earth's surface that is directly above where an earthquake happens underground

a measure of the energy released by an earthquake

an area in Earth's mantle where unusually hot magma rises toward the surface, creating volcanic activity

Global distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes

a long, narrow depression formed when a tectonic plate stretches and fractures at a constructive margin, causing the land to sink between parallel fault lines

a broad, gently sloping volcano formed by basaltic lava that is runny and flows easily. Eruptions tend to be effusive rather than explosive - lava flows out

a measure of the energy released by an earthquake; a higher magnitude means a stronger earthquake

Processes at constructive/divergent plate margins

the process at a destructive plate margin where a denser oceanic plate sinks beneath a less dense plate into the mantle

a series of large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides

Processes at destructive/convergent plate margins

molten rock found beneath Earth's surface. It is formed when rocks in Earth's mantle or crust melt due to high temperatures and pressure

Processes at conservative plate margins

the immediate impacts of a tectonic hazard which are directly caused by it

indirect effects that occur as a consequence of a tectonic hazard’s primary impacts

Impacts of volcanoes in a developed and an emerging country

Impacts of earthquakes in a developed and a developing country

the likelihood or chance of being affected by a natural hazard, such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption

techniques used to reduce hazard risk, including monitoring and prediction and planning and preparation

techniques used to detect and record indicators of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

Reducing risks from earthquakes and volcanoes

techniques used to reduce hazard risk, including short-term relief and long-term planning, preparation and prediction

Examples of management of volcanic hazards

Examples of management of earthquake hazards

the measurement of elevation for bodies of water, e.g. depth of oceans, seas, or lakes

the shape of Earth’s surface including land areas and the floor of the seas and oceans

a GIS tool which visualises changes in height above or below sea level along any transect line such as a river course

Tectonic hazards

Choose a lesson (12)

These lessons will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.