Learn: Tectonic Hazards

Welcome!Hi there! Today, we'll learn about tectonic hazards, a key part of the Geography 8035 GCSE (AQA) curriculum. Let's explore how they occur and why they matter step by step.

What are natural hazards?Natural hazards are extreme natural events that have the potential to cause damage to people, property, and the environment. Some examples include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms, and floods. These hazards can have significant impacts, depending on their location, intensity, and the ability of people to respond to them.

What are tectonic hazards?Tectonic hazards are natural hazards caused by the movement of tectonic plates. These include earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. They occur mainly along plate boundaries where plates interact with each other, causing stress and movement.

Plate tectonics theoryThe plate tectonics theory explains how the Earth's crust is divided into large pieces called tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-liquid mantle beneath them and are constantly moving due to convection currents within the mantle. This movement causes interactions at plate boundaries, leading to natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes.

Types of plate boundariesThere are three main types of plate boundaries:Constructive boundaries: Plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust. Volcanoes are common here.Destructive boundaries: Plates move towards each other, with one being forced under the other. This causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.Conservative boundaries: Plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes due to friction.

EarthquakesAn earthquake is caused by sudden movements of tectonic plates at their boundaries. The energy released creates seismic waves that can shake the ground, leading to damage to buildings and infrastructure. Earthquakes can have primary effects (immediate damage like collapsed buildings) and secondary effects (long-term impacts like homelessness or economic losses).

VolcanoesVolcanoes form when magma from the mantle reaches the Earth's surface through a weak point in the crust, often at destructive or constructive plate boundaries. The magma erupts as lava, ash, and gases. Volcanoes can have positive effects, like creating fertile soil, and negative effects, such as loss of life and destruction of property.

Managing tectonic hazardsTectonic hazards can be managed through monitoring (using technology to track activity), prediction (forecasting when hazards might occur), protection (building structures that can withstand hazards), and planning (educating people and preparing emergency responses).

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about tectonic hazards, including their causes, effects, and management strategies. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.