1.2.15

Earthquakes at Different Plate Margins

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Earthquakes at Different Plate Margins

Earthquakes can happen at all 3 types of plate margin: conservative, constructive and destructive.

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Conservative plate margins

  • When plates move past each other, there can be friction between them because the plates are not smooth.
  • When the pressure is enough, the plates give way. This causes the plates to move past each other and the ground to shake.
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Destructive plate margins

  • At destructive margins, the oceanic plate can get stuck as it is forced under the continental plate. This can cause tension to build.
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Constructive plate margins

  • At constructive margins, pressure can build up from cracks in the plates when they move apart.

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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