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      Using digital maps to identify patterns of earthquakes around the world

      I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to see patterns in where earthquakes occur around the world and predict their likely impact.

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      Lesson 7 of 7
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      • Year 6

      Using digital maps to identify patterns of earthquakes around the world

      I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to see patterns in where earthquakes occur around the world and predict their likely impact.

      Lesson details

      Key learning points

      1. GIS can be used to identify the patterns of earthquakes around the world.
      2. Major earthquakes occur on or near plate boundaries.
      3. GIS can be used to predict the impact of earthquakes on humans.
      4. The impact of earthquakes is affected by the power of the earthquake and how many people live nearby.

      Keywords

      • Geographic information system - a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to see and understand geographical patterns

      • Plate boundary - where two tectonic plates meet

      • Layer - geographical information that can be added to a digital map

      Common misconception

      Earthquakes always take place on plate boundaries.

      Most earthquakes take place on or near plate boundaries, but some smaller earthquakes can happen away from plate boundaries.

      Teachers may wish pupils to complete the GIS tasks alongside the video modelling, by showing the video in short sections and then asking pupils to complete each part of the instructions.
      Teacher tip

      Equipment

      Computers, laptops or tablets with an internet connection.

      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

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      Download quiz pdf

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a digital map?

      a paper map printed out
      a type of video game involving a map
      Correct answer: a map you can view on a computer, tablet, or phone

      Q2.
      What is an earthquake?

      Correct answer: the sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements of the Earth's crust
      a violent eruption of magma caused by pressure under the Earth's crust
      a huge storm that brings lots of rain and strong winds

      Q3.
      Magnitude is a measure of the size of an earthquake. Put these earthquakes in order of magnitude, from the smallest to the largest.

      1 - 7.0: 2010 Haiti earthquake
      2 - 7.8: 2023 Turkey and Syria earthquakes
      3 - 9.1: Japan earthquake and tsunami
      4 - 9.2: the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami

      Q4.
      The Earth's crust is split into large ...

      1 - P
      2 - L
      3 - A
      4 - T
      5 - E
      6 - S

      Q5.
      Why might GIS help us to study earthquakes?

      it allows us to watch videos of earthquakes
      Correct answer: it add layers of information to help us identify patterns and risk areas
      it allows us to see what weather patterns cause earthquakes

      Q6.
      Which of these can happen as a result of earthquakes?

      Correct answer: buildings collapse
      hurricanes
      Correct answer: landslides
      Correct answer: tsunamis
      tornadoes

      Assessment exit quiz

      Download quiz pdf

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What does a geographic information system do?

      Correct answer: helps you to see geographical patterns easier
      controls satellites and tells them where to fly
      Correct answer: uses digital maps with data
      creates personal weather forecasts for each user

      Q2.
      If each of these locations were impacted by an earthquake of the same size, which would be most likely to see the biggest impact on people?

      in the centre of a desert
      Correct answer: near a capital city
      in the middle of a rainforest
      near a mountain village

      Q3.
      Most earthquakes take place on or near plate , but some smaller earthquakes can happen away from plate boundaries.

      Correct Answer: boundaries, margins

      Q4.
      Which of these factors affect the impact of an earthquake on people?

      Correct answer: distance they are from the earthquake
      Correct answer: the size (magnitude) of the earthquake
      the amount of lava that erupts

      Q5.
      What tool on the Geography Visualiser helps us to find out how far away an earthquake is?

      1 - M
      2 - E
      3 - A
      4 - S
      5 - U
      6 - R
      7 - E

      Lesson appears in

      UnitGeography / Earthquakes: how do they change the world?

      Geography

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