GCSE TECTONICS NEW
Tectonics - the syllabus
Distribution of plates; contrasts between continental
and oceanic plates.
Destructive, constructive and conservative plate margins.
Location and formation of fold mountains, ocean trenches, composite volcanoes
and shield volcanoes.
A case study of one range of fold mountains. The ways in which they are
used – farming, Hydro Electric Power, mining, tourism and how people
adapt to limited communications, steep relief, poor soils.
Characteristics of different types of volcanoes. A case study of a volcanic
eruption – its cause; primary and secondary effects; positive and
negative impacts; immediate and long term responses. Monitoring and predicting
volcanic eruptions.
The characteristics of a supervolcano and the likely effects of an eruption.
Location and cause of earthquakes. Features of earthquakes – epicentre,
focus, shock waves and the measurement of earthquakes using the Richter
and Mercalli Scales.
A case study of an earthquake in a rich part of the world and one from
a poorer area – their specific causes; primary and secondary effects;
immediate and long term responses – the need to predict, protect
and prepare. Contrasts in effects and responses will be clear.
A case study of a tsunami – its cause, effects and responses.
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
11.GeoKnow Good source for volcano revision