Earthquakes and volcanoes
G2 Elective Geography: Tectonics - syllabus K229, 2027
Understand how earthquakes and eruptions happen, where their hazards reach and why people live in volcanic areas.
- Earthquakes and magnitude
An earthquake happens when rock suddenly slips along a fault; magnitude measures its size, but shaking and damage vary by place.
- Magma and eruption styles
Runny magma lets gas escape easily, while thick, sticky magma traps gas and can erupt explosively.
- Where earthquakes and volcanoes occur
Most earthquakes and volcanoes cluster near plate boundaries, but hotspots and far-travelling hazards are important exceptions.
- Earthquake hazards
Earthquakes can trigger liquefaction, landslides and tsunamis, and damage then spreads through roads, water, power and health services.
- Lava, pyroclastic flows and landslides
Lava, pyroclastic flows and collapsing slopes move differently, so name the material and how it moves before explaining the damage.
- Ash, gases and lahars
Wind spreads volcanic ash, and water can turn loose volcanic debris into lahars, even long after an eruption ends.
- Benefits of volcanic areas
Volcanic areas can offer fertile soil, minerals, geothermal energy and tourism, which helps explain why people live near them.
- Named examples: Earthquakes and volcanoes
A named place with a date or figure, linked to your point, turns a general answer into a developed one.
What you will be able to do
I can explain how tectonic processes decide the magnitude of an earthquake and how it is measured.
Syllabus K229, Topic 3.2, Key Question 1. How do tectonic processes affect the magnitude of earthquakes?
Taught in Earthquakes and magnitude, Named examples: Earthquakes and volcanoes
I can explain how tectonic processes decide the explosiveness of a volcanic eruption and how it is measured.
Syllabus K229, Topic 3.2, Key Question 2. How do tectonic processes affect the magnitude of volcanic eruptions?
Taught in Magma and eruption styles
I can link where earthquakes and volcanoes occur to plate boundaries and hotspots.
Syllabus K229, Topic 3.2, Key Question 3. How might distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes influence the location of tectonic hazards?
Taught in Where earthquakes and volcanoes occur, Ash, gases and lahars
I can explain the hazards, impacts and benefits of earthquakes and volcanoes for nature and people.
Syllabus K229, Topic 3.2, Key Question 4. How might tectonic hazards affect the natural and human systems?
Taught in Earthquake hazards, Lava, pyroclastic flows and landslides, Ash, gases and lahars, Benefits of volcanic areas