Learn: Plate Tectonics and Tectonic Hazards

Welcome!Today we'll learn about Plate Tectonics and Tectonic Hazards. This topic is part of the Geography GCSE (AQA) curriculum, and it's all about understanding how the Earth's structure leads to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanoes.

The Earth's StructureThe Earth has four main layers: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. The crust is where we live, and it is divided into large slabs called tectonic plates. These plates move due to convection currents in the mantle beneath them.

Plate BoundariesTectonic plates interact at plate boundaries, which are areas where two plates meet. There are three main types of plate boundaries: constructive, destructive, and conservative. Each type creates specific landforms and can lead to natural hazards.

Types of Plate BoundariesConstructive boundaries: Two plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust. This can create features like mid-ocean ridges.Destructive boundaries: Plates collide, causing one plate to be forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. This can lead to earthquakes and volcanic activity.Conservative boundaries: Plates slide past each other, causing friction and pressure to build up until it's released as an earthquake.

EarthquakesEarthquakes happen when pressure builds up at plate boundaries and is suddenly released. The epicentre is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's focus, and the energy released is measured using the Richter scale.

VolcanoesVolcanoes form at constructive and destructive plate boundaries. At destructive boundaries, magma rises through cracks in the Earth's crust. At constructive boundaries, magma rises as plates move apart, forming new land and volcanic islands.The eruptions can cause primary effects like lava flows and ash clouds, and secondary effects like landslides or tsunamis.

Why Do People Live Near Tectonic Hazards?Despite the risks, many people live near tectonic hazards because of the benefits. For example, volcanic areas often have fertile soil for farming, and geothermal energy can provide a renewable power source. Tourism also attracts people to areas near volcanoes.

Reducing the Risk of Tectonic HazardsWe can reduce the risk of tectonic hazards through monitoring (observing changes in the Earth's activity), prediction (forecasting when hazards might occur), protection (building structures to withstand hazards), and planning (educating people and preparing emergency responses).

Review Time!Well done! You've learned about the Earth's structure, plate boundaries, tectonic hazards, and risk reduction strategies. Let's test everything you've learned!