Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 6 Geography Guides

Year 6 - Geography

Earthquakes and tsunamis: Honshu, Japan, 2011

Earthquakes: how do they change the world?

Unit Summary

This unit explores the causes and effects of earthquakes. Pupils learn where and why they occur, how they are measured, and what can be done to prepare for and respond to them. Case studies include Japan (2011) and Turkey (2023).

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe and explain the causes and consequences of the earthquake in Honshu, Japan, 2011.

Key Notes

  • The earthquake was the fifth most powerful earthquake of all time.
  • The epicentre was on the sea bed, 70km east of the Honshu coast.
  • The resulting tsunami wave was 40 metres high and came inland for 10km.
  • More than 350,000 buildings collapsed or were damaged and over 15,000 people died.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • tsunami: Tsunamis are huge waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea.
  • Pacific plate: The Pacific plate is the largest tectonic plate. It is situated between North and South America to the east, and Australia and New Zealand to the west.
  • North American plate: The North American plate is the tectonic plate that includes most of North America.
  • impact: To have an impact is to have an effect on someone or something.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Tsunamis are random events caused by severe weather.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

The earthquake was the fifth most powerful earthquake of all time. The epicentre was on the sea bed, 70km east of the Honshu coast.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'tsunami'

Tsunamis are huge waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Tsunamis are random events caused by severe weather. Correction: Tsunamis are not random events but are caused by tectonic plate movement underneath the ocean.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 Geography guide library.