Year 7 The Rock Cycle Causes of Earthquakes
Earth Machine The Earth's rocks are continually changing because of processes
such as weathering, erosion and large earth movements. The
Earthquakes are caused when two plates become
locked causing friction to build up. From this stress,
The structure of the Earth the pressure will eventually be released, triggering the
rocks are gradually recycled over millions of years. This is called
plates to move into a new position. This movement
Varies in thickness (5-10km) beneath the the rock cycle . For example, sedimentary rocks can be changed
The Crust causes energy in the form of seismic waves, to travel
ocean. Made up of several large plates. into metamorphic rocks. from the focus towards the epicentre. As a result, the
crust vibrates triggering an earthquake.
Widest layer (2900km thick). The heat and Igneous, igneous rock: Formed from magma , either erupted
The Mantle pressure means the rock is in a liquid from a volcano or cooled below ground in an intrusion. The point directly above the
state that is in a state of convection. focus, where the seismic
Metamorphic rock: a rock which has re-crystallised due to heat
waves reach first, is called the
Hottest section (5000 degrees). Mostly and/or pressure.
EPICENTRE.
The Inner and made of iron and nickel and is 4x denser
outer Core than the crust. Inner section is solid Sedimentary rock: any rock made up of sediment grains. SEISMIC WAVES (energy
whereas outer layer is liquid. waves) travel out from the
Types of Plate Margins focus.
Plate Tectonics
Destructive Plate Margin The point at which pressure is
Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer shell is
released is called the FOCUS.
divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the When the denser plate subducts
rocky inner layer above the core. The plates act like a hard beneath the other, friction causes it to Earthquake Management
and rigid shell compared to Earth's mantle. melt and become molten magma. The
magma forces its ways up to the surface PREDICTING
to form a volcano. This margin is also
Methods include:
responsible for devastating
• Satellite surveying (tracks changes in the earth’s
earthquakes.
surface)
Constructive Plate Margin • Laser reflector (surveys movement across fault
lines)
Here two plates are moving apart • Radon gas sensor (radon gas is released when
causing new magma to reach the surface plates move so this finds that)
through the gap. Volcanoes formed • Seismometer
along this crack cause a submarine • Water table level (water levels fluctuate before an
mountain range such as those in the Mid earthquake).
Atlantic Ridge. • Scientists also use seismic records to predict when
Conservative Plate Margin the next event will occur.
A conservative plate boundary occurs PROTECTION
where plates slide past each other in You can’t stop earthquakes, so earthquake-prone
Natural Resource
opposite directions, or in the same regions follow these three methods to reduce potential
Natural Resources: Something, such as a forest, a mineral direction but at different speeds. This is damage:
deposit, or fresh water, that is found in nature and is responsible for earthquakes such as the • Building earthquake-resistant buildings
necessary or useful to humans. ones happening along the San Andreas • Raising public awareness
Fault, USA. • Improving earthquake prediction
