Year 10 - Geography
Plate tectonics theory
Tectonic hazards
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit teaches pupils about tectonic hazards, their location, causes and effects. Pupils learn about the different types of hazard before focusing on earthquakes and volcanoes. Pupils will learn about tectonic processes, hazard impacts and the options for mitigation and adaptation.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the theory of plate tectonics and the mechanisms involved in plate movement.
Key Notes
- Earth's outer layer (lithosphere) is divided into a number of plates.
- Gravitational sliding, involving the processes of 'ridge-push' and 'slab-pull', contributes towards plate movement.
- Earth's surface provides evidence for plate tectonics theory.
Vocabulary To Learn
- tectonic plate: a large, rigid slab of Earth's lithosphere (outer layer) that sits on the semi-solid asthenosphere beneath it
- asthenosphere: a semi-solid layer of Earth's upper mantle
- convection: the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids: warmer, less dense material rises and cooler, denser material sinks, creating a circular flow
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Tectonic plates float like rafts on liquid magma.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
Earth's outer layer (lithosphere) is divided into a number of plates. Gravitational sliding, involving the processes of 'ridge-push' and 'slab-pull', contributes towards plate movement.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'tectonic plate'
a large, rigid slab of Earth's lithosphere (outer layer) that sits on the semi-solid asthenosphere beneath it.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: Tectonic plates float like rafts on liquid magma. Correction: The mantle is semi-solid rather than a sort of liquid sea of magma.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Examples of management of earthquake hazards Study Guide
- Examples of management of volcanic hazards Study Guide
- Global distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes Study Guide
- Impacts of earthquakes in a developed and a developing country Study Guide
- Impacts of volcanoes in a developed and an emerging country Study Guide
- Processes at conservative plate margins Study Guide
- Processes at constructive/divergent plate margins Study Guide
- Processes at destructive/convergent plate margins Study Guide
- Reducing risks from earthquakes and volcanoes Study Guide
- The structure of the Earth Study Guide
- Using GIS to visualise physical processes at different types of plate margin Study Guide
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