Explore
Learn: Understanding Plate Tectonics
Geography 8035 GCSE (AQA)
Ready to start this lesson?
Sign in to track your progress. 17 steps including 8 interactive questions.
Sign In to Start Learning
Students also studied
Browse allSteps in this lesson (17)
Welcome!Today we'll explore the fascinating topic of plate tectonics. This is an essential concept in Geography that helps us understand earthquakes, volcanoes, and the dynamic Earth we live on.
What are Plate Tectonics?Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer shell (the lithosphere) is divided into large pieces called tectonic plates. These plates move slowly over the semi-fluid layer beneath them, called the asthenosphere, due to convection currents.
Types of Plate MarginsThere are three main types of plate margins or boundaries:Constructive margins: Plates move apart, causing magma to rise and form new crust.Destructive margins: Plates move towards each other, leading to subduction where one plate is forced under another, causing earthquakes and volcanoes.Conservative margins: Plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes due to friction.
Quick check: At which plate margin do two plates move apart, creating new crust?
Start the lesson to answer this multiple choice question
What Happens at Plate Margins?Different processes occur at each type of plate margin. For example, at destructive margins, subduction causes intense friction and heat, leading to volcanic activity. At conservative margins, plates sliding past each other can build up pressure, released as earthquakes.
Why Do Plates Move?Plates move due to convection currents in the mantle. Heat from the Earth's core causes molten rock to rise, cool, and sink, creating circular currents. These currents push and pull the plates above them.
Convection currents in the Earth's {{blank0}} drive the movement of tectonic plates. This movement happens because heat from the {{blank1}} causes molten rock to circulate.
Start the lesson to answer this fill in the blank question
Global Distribution of Earthquakes and VolcanoesEarthquakes and volcanoes are concentrated at plate margins. For example, the 'Ring of Fire' in the Pacific Ocean is an area of frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to multiple plate boundaries.
Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
Start the lesson to answer this matching question
Named Examples of Tectonic HazardsTo understand tectonic hazards, we study real-world examples. For instance, the 2010 Haiti earthquake is a significant case study for understanding impacts in LICs, while the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami illustrate effects in HICs.
Which of the following are true about tectonic hazards? (Select all that apply)
Start the lesson to answer this multi-select question
Review Time!Great work! You've learned about plate tectonics, types of plate margins, and examples of tectonic hazards. Let's test your understanding!
Which layer contains convection currents that move tectonic plates?
Start the lesson to answer this multiple choice question
Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
Start the lesson to answer this matching question
What can happen at destructive plate margins? (Select all that apply)
Start the lesson to answer this multi-select question
The {{blank0}} of Fire is an area in the Pacific Ocean with frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Start the lesson to answer this fill in the blank question
Well Done!You've completed the lesson on plate tectonics. Keep exploring how Earth's dynamic processes shape our planet!
Want to Learn More?
Get personalised lessons, quizzes, and instant feedback from your AI tutor.
Explore More Topics