Introduction

Question 1

Starting off with definitions…

Answer 1

At the outset of this report it is important to define the key terms in this question so that it is clear what is to be discussed.

• Tectonic processes are the processes that result from, or cause, the movement of the lithospheric plates. As heat rises up through the mantle from the Earth’s core it results in the Earth’s crust moving and splitting into tectonic plates.
• Convection currents in the asthenosphere are the driving force behind plate motion, the asthenosphere being “the portion of the mantle beneath the lithosphere composed of partially melted material.” (www.scienceclarified.com).
• Tectonic processes can be divided into seismic processes (earthquake-related) and volcanic processes (related to the movement of magma to the surface).
• Distinctive landscapes are landscapes that are different from each other, they have different topographies and different features within them. One potential problem with this definition is that the idea of what constitutes a ‘different’ landscape is subjective.

Question 2

What is the question asking?

Answer 2

Following the definition of the key terms it can be seen that this question is asking for explanations as to why the various tectonic processes result in different landscapes being produced.
The different tectonic processes produce different results and, as such, they will inevitably lead to different, or distinctive, landscapes.
On a simple level some processes will result in volcanic activity and others result in seismic activity. These processes will obviously produce different effects on the landscape and because the processes combine in a number of ways it will result in a variety of distinctive landscapes.

Question 3

Framework…

Answer 3

In order to explain why tectonic processes produce a variety of distinctive landscapes this report will adopt the following framework.
Firstly it will examine the different landscapes created by extrusive volcanic activity by comparing a variety of volcano types- shield, composite and caldera.
Following this it will examine how intrusive igneous activity can produce distinctive landscapes by comparing batholiths to dykes and sills.
It will then consider the impact seismic processes have on landscapes. This will incorporate the landscapes formed at constructive and destructive plate boundaries and the faults and folds as a result of this tectonic movement. Fourthly it will explain how seismic activity can lead to distinctive fault landscapes such as the East African Rift Valley, the Andes and the Basin and Range country in the SW USA.