Volcanos and Earthquakes Flashcards
What are plate boundaries?
Plate boundaries are the edges where two tectonic plates meet. They are areas of high geological activity, such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
: Why do tectonic plates move?
Due to convection currents in the Earth’s mantle. Hot magma rises, cools, and sinks, creating movement that shifts the plates.
What are the three main types of plate boundaries?
Constructive (Divergent) – Plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
Destructive (Convergent) – Plates collide; the denser plate is forced under the other (subduction), creating volcanoes and earthquakes (e.g., Andes Mountains).
Conservative (Transform) – Plates slide past each other, causing friction and earthquakes (e.g., San Andreas Fault).
Q: What plate boundaries do volcanoes occur at?
: Mainly at destructive (convergent) and constructive (divergent) boundaries. Some also form at hotspots (e.g., Hawaii).
What are the key features of a volcano?
Crater, vent, magma chamber, lava flow, ash cloud, pyroclastic flow
What are the two main types of volcanoes?
Strato-volcano (Composite Cone) – Steep sides, explosive eruptions, thick lava (e.g., Mount St. Helens).
Shield Volcano – Wide, gentle slopes, runny lava, less violent eruptions (e.g., Mauna Loa).
Why do people live near volcanoes?
Fertile soil for farming, geothermal energy, tourism, valuable minerals, scenic beauty.
How can we monitor and predict volcanic eruptions?
Seismic activity monitoring, gas emissions, satellite imaging, thermal cameras (Example: Mt. Etna, Sicily).
: How do we manage volcanic eruptions?
Evacuation plans, emergency shelters, exclusion zones, monitoring systems, hazard maps.
What were the causes of the White Island eruption?
A buildup of steam and gas within the volcano led to a phreatic explosion (sudden eruption of gas and steam).
What were the effects of the White Island eruption?
22 deaths, severe burns to tourists, ash clouds affecting air quality, tourism decline, legal actions against tour operators.
: What were the responses to the White Island eruption?
Rescue operations, new safety regulations for tourists, increased monitoring of volcanic activity, restrictions on island visits.
: What are the key terms related to earthquakes?
Focus – The underground origin of the earthquake.
Epicenter – The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus.
Shockwaves (Seismic waves)
How do we measure earthquakes?
Richter Scale – Measures magnitude (energy released).
Mercalli Scale – Measures damage and human impact.
: Why do some earthquakes have more impact than others?
Location, depth of the focus, population density, building structure, emergency response effectiveness, economic conditions.c
How do we monitor, predict, and respond to earthquakes?
Seismographs, GPS sensors, early warning systems, earthquake-resistant buildings, emergency drills, rescue teams.
: What were the causes of the Turkey/Syria earthquake?
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurred due to movement along the transform/convergent plate boundary between the Arabian and Anatolian plates.
What were the effects of the Turkey/Syria earthquake?
Over 50,000 deaths, collapsed buildings, homelessness, economic loss, disruption of healthcare and rescue efforts, damaged infrastructure.
What were the responses to the Turkey/Syria earthquake?
: International aid, search and rescue teams, temporary housing, rebuilding efforts, stricter building codes, emergency relief supplies.
What strategies can reduce the impact of earthquakes?
Earthquake-resistant buildings (shock absorbers, reinforced structures).
Early warning systems and drills.
Land-use planning (avoiding high-risk areas).
Emergency response teams and education programs.
Strengthening bridges and infrastructure.
What strategies can reduce the impact of volcanoes?
Monitoring systems (seismographs, gas sensors, satellite data).
Evacuation plans and exclusion zones.
Reinforced buildings with protective structures.
Public awareness and preparedness training.
International collaboration on disaster response.
