Learn: Tectonic Hazards

Welcome!Today we'll learn about tectonic hazards. These are natural phenomena caused by the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates, like earthquakes and volcanoes. Let's dive in!

What are tectonic hazards?Tectonic hazards are natural events caused by movements of the Earth's crust. Examples include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. These hazards can have serious impacts on people and the environment.

Why do tectonic hazards happen?The Earth's crust is made up of large slabs called tectonic plates. These plates move because of convection currents in the mantle beneath them. Their movements can cause stress at plate boundaries, leading to hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes.

Plate marginsThe edges where tectonic plates meet are called plate margins. There are three main types: constructive margins (plates move apart), destructive margins (plates move towards each other), and conservative margins (plates slide past each other).

Effects of tectonic hazardsTectonic hazards can cause primary effects (immediate impacts like collapsed buildings, injuries, and deaths) and secondary effects (longer-term impacts like homelessness, disease outbreaks, and economic losses).

Responses to tectonic hazardsResponses to tectonic hazards can be immediate (e.g., rescuing people and providing emergency aid) or long-term (e.g., rebuilding infrastructure and improving prediction systems).

Managing tectonic hazardsWe can reduce risks from tectonic hazards through monitoring (using equipment to detect changes), prediction (forecasting when a hazard might occur), protection (building structures that withstand hazards), and planning (educating people and preparing evacuation plans).

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about tectonic hazards, including their causes, effects, and ways to manage them. Let's review what we've covered with a few questions.

Excellent job!You’ve completed the lesson on tectonic hazards. Keep practising to deepen your understanding, and remember to review your case studies for examples of these concepts in action. Well done!