New
New
Processes at conservative plate margins
I can explain the processes at conservative plate margins and relate these to the causes of earthquakes.
Lesson 8 of 12
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
Processes at conservative plate margins
I can explain the processes at conservative plate margins and relate these to the causes of earthquakes.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Conservative plate margins involve two plates sliding alongside each other.
- Distinctive processes occur at conservative plate margins.
- Earthquakes occur at conservative plate margins but volcanoes do not.
Keywords
Magnitude - a measure of the energy released by an earthquake; a higher magnitude means a stronger earthquake
Magma - 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
Common misconception
Volcanoes occur at all plate margins.
While volcanoes are a feature of both destructive and constructive plate margins, there are no volcanic eruptions at conservative margins because no magma is produced.
Once students have learned about all three types of plate margin, they could show their understanding by comparing the processes and hazards associated with each type.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the two main types of tectonic plate?
What are the two main types of tectonic plate?
Primary and secondary
Inner and outer
Q2.Which layer of Earth is made up of tectonic plates?
Which layer of Earth is made up of tectonic plates?
Core
Mantle
Q3.What is the name of the theory that explains the movement of tectonic plates?
What is the name of the theory that explains the movement of tectonic plates?
Seismic Shift
Volcanic Theory
Q4.What is an example of a tectonic hazard?
What is an example of a tectonic hazard?
Hurricane
Flood
Q5.What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?
What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?
A large desert in the Pacific Ocean
A ring of mountains around the Pacific Ocean
A type of volcanic rock
Q6.Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of solid iron and nickel?
Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of solid iron and nickel?
Crust
Mantle
Outer core
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What happens at a conservative plate margin?
What happens at a conservative plate margin?
Plates move away from each other
One plate sinks under another
Plates collide and form mountains
Q2.Which natural hazard is most common at conservative plate margins?
Which natural hazard is most common at conservative plate margins?
Volcanoes
Tornados
Q3.Why don’t volcanoes form at conservative plate margins?
Why don’t volcanoes form at conservative plate margins?
The ocean cools the magma
The plates collide and push magma upwards
The plates pull apart, creating space
Q4.What famous conservative plate margin exists in the USA?
What famous conservative plate margin exists in the USA?
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge
The Himalayas
The Andes Mountains
