The causes of earthquakes
I can describe and explain what causes an earthquake.
The causes of earthquakes
I can describe and explain what causes an earthquake.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Earth is composed of four layers: the crust, mantle, outer core and inner core.
- Movement in the tectonic plates that form Earth’s crust causes earthquakes.
- Earthquakes occur at plate boundaries.
Keywords
Earth’s crust - Earth’s crust is the outermost layer of our planet.
Tectonic plates - The huge pieces that Earth’s crust is broken into are known as tectonic plates.
Shock waves - Shock waves are areas of sudden high pressure or temperature that travel through water, air or the ground.
Plate boundaries - The point where two tectonic plates meet is known as a plate boundary.
Common misconception
Earthquakes are random events.
Earthquakes are not random events, but are a consequence of tectonic plate movement.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the outermost layer of the Earth
the largest layer of the Earth
the layer that surrounds the inner core
the layer at the centre of the Earth