Year 9 tectonics

Question 1

Layers of the Earth

Answer 1

Inner Core
Outer Core
Mantle
Crust

Question 2

Tectonic Plates

Answer 2

Are floating on semi-molten layer of the rock in the magma. Convection currents within the mantle cause the plates to move.

Question 3

Constructive Plate Boundary

Answer 3

Two tectonic plates are moving apart from one another. The gap in the crust causes magma to rise and cool. Earthquakes and volcanoes are found here.

Question 4

Destructive Plate Boundary

Answer 4

When two plates move towards each other, one sinks (is subducted) below he other one. Volcanoes and earthquakes are found here.

Question 5

Conservative Plate Boundary

Answer 5

When two plates are moving side by side, in different directions or the same direction but at different speeds, Earthquakes are found here.

Question 6

How do plates move?

Answer 6

1. The mantle is a semi-molten layer of rock on which the tectonic plates are ‘floating’.
2. Heat from the core causes convection currents in the mantle, where the heated rock rises towards the crust.
3. This causes the tectonic plates (crust) to move constantly - either towards or away from one another.

Question 7

Prepare and Responses foe Earthquakes (MEDCs)

Answer 7

• Buildings may be built to withstand earthquakes using special design features
• Emergency services might be better so people can be rescued, treated with medical facilities etc.
• Countries might have early warning systems and do earthquake drills so people know what to do in an emergency.
• They might have better facilities for after the event so that people can get temporary housing and food while their homes are being rebuilt.