Year 10 - Geography
The structure of the Earth
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 how Earth has different layers, each of which has distinctive characteristics.
Key Notes
- Earth has a layered structure.
- The layers of Earth have different physical properties (temperature, density, composition, physical state).
Vocabulary To Learn
- lithosphere: the rigid outer layer of Earth which includes the crust
- asthenosphere: a semi-solid layer of Earth's upper mantle
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The inner core is hotter than the outer core so the inner core must be liquid (molten rock) while the outer core is solid rock.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
Earth has a layered structure. The layers of Earth have different physical properties (temperature, density, composition, physical state).
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'lithosphere'
the rigid outer layer of Earth which includes the crust.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: The inner core is hotter than the outer core so the inner core must be liquid (molten rock) while the outer core is solid rock. Correction: In fact, although the inner core is hotter than the outer core, the inner core is solid while the outer core is molten and liquid. This is because the pressure is so great in the inner core that it prevents the rock from melting.
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
- Plate tectonics theory 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
- Using GIS to visualise physical processes at different types of plate margin Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.