1.2.14

Earthquakes

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Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden or violent movement within the Earth’s crust followed by a series of shocks. An earthquake happens when the Earth’s tectonic plates move and cause the ground to shake.

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Can happen at all 3 plate margins

  • Earthquakes can happen at destructive, constructive and conservative plate margins.
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Plates forcing their way past each other

  • As plates move past each other, pressure builds up from the friction between them.
  • When the pressure is sufficient, the plates give way. The tectonic plates will surge past each other and the ground will shake from this violent movement.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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