S2 Geography Module 1: Earthquakes & Volcanoes

Question 1

What are the 8 planets of the Solar System?

Answer 1

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Question 2

What layers make up the Earth?

Answer 2

The Inner Core, The Outer Core, The Mantle and The Crust.

Question 3

What is the Theory of Plate Tectonics?

Answer 3

The Earth’s Crust is made up of huge slabs called ‘Tectonic Plates’.

Question 4

What are ‘Plate Boundaries’?

Answer 4

The area where two ‘plates’ meet. This is where we get volcanoes and earthquakes.

Question 5

What is the Theory of Continental Drift?

Answer 5

Millions of years ago, all our continents joined together to make one ‘super-continent’. The super-continent ‘drifted’ apart creating the continents we know today.

Question 6

What is meant by the following:

1. Destructive Plate Boundaries.
2. Constructive Plate Boundaries.
3. Conservative Plate Boundaries.

Answer 6

1. When two colliding plates are moving towards each other, causing both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
2. When two colliding plates move away from each other, causing volcanic eruptions.
3. When two colliding plates ‘slide’ past each other, causing earthquakes.

Question 7

Why is a dormant volcano the most dangerous type of volcano?

Answer 7

They are unpredictable, their high pressure leads to a big explosion and many people live near them.

Question 8

What causes an earthquake?

Answer 8

When either a destructive or conservative plate boundary is stuck for hundreds of years, then suddenly move apart, sending shockwaves shaking the ground relentlessly.

Question 9

Give 3 examples (for each) of:

1. A Primary Effect of an Earthquake
2. A Secondary Effect of an Earthquake

Answer 9

1a) Buildings Collapsing
1b) People Dying
1c) Fire and Gas Explosions

2a) Many People Homeless
2b) Lack of Food and Water
2c) Shortage of Healthcare

Question 10

What are the three features of an earthquake?

Answer 10

1. Seismic Waves - the shockwaves that are sent out
2. The Focus - the point underground where the two plates suddenly move apart
3. The Epicentre - the point directly above the focus

Question 11

How do rich countries prepare for earthquakes?

Answer 11

1. Warning systems
2. Earthquake-proof buildings
3. Emergency supplies