GCSE TECTONICS
Tectonics - the syllabus
The Earth's crust is unstable and creates hazards.
Global distribution of continental plates. Tensional and compressional margins.
Characteristic features and formation of fold mountains,
earthquakes (focus, epicentre) and volcanoes
(composite and shield volcanoes).
Occurrence and measurement of earthquakes.
The interaction between people and the environments and
hazards created by tectonic activity.
Description and explanation of human activity in one range of young fold
mountains. Case study of effects and responses to a
volcanic eruption and an earthquake to include primary and secondary effects
and the short medium and long term responses.
Settlement issues in areas of tectonic activity. the advantages and disadvantages of settlement in areas of tectonic activity.
Variations in the effects of and responses to tectonic activity between
rural and urban areas, and between MEDCs and LEDCs.
A consideration of the values and attitudes of different interest groups.
Choice of earlier case studies from both an MEDC and LEDC will make it
easier for students to appreciate these variations.
Consideration may be given to differences in population densities, building
materials, availability of emergency services, quality of
communication networks, relative wealth etc.
Values and attitudes to tectonic activity may include the unwillingness
of some people to accept the hazard or the need to use the fertile
soils through to those who would advise abandonment of areas prone to
tectonic activity.
Kilauea, Hawaii
(courtesty of USGS - www.usgs.gov)
REVISION
Visit these web links to help you revise for the earthquakes and volcanoes section
2. BBC Bite size - tectonic pages
4. Volcano World - Great site! masses of up-to-date information on volcanic eruptions around the world, including Mt Redoubt in Alaska, about to erupt
5. United Sates Geological Survey - find out where the last earthquake occured, how big was it? where was it? ....
6. Channel 4 site - good question and answer session.
7. Mt. St. Helens Volcano information - Mt St Helens is now a national monument, visited by many tourists each year.
9. The US Geological Society and other scientists conclude that there is a 62% probability of at least one magnitude 6.7 or greater quake, capable of causing widespread damage, striking the San Francisco Bay region before 2032.
10. Handbook for San Frisco Bay area earthquakes and preparation