GCSERevise
AQASpec 3.1.1.2Foundation & Higher~35 min

Tectonic Hazards

Geography · Topic revision workspace

Topic progress0%

Read the notes, score 80% and know 75% of the cards.

Topic overview

What you need to know

Earthquakes and volcanoes are concentrated at plate margins. Their effects vary with magnitude, population density, development, building quality and preparedness.

Exam tip

For a named event, learn precise primary effects, secondary effects, immediate responses and long-term responses.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

  • Constructive margin: A plate boundary where plates move apart and magma rises to form new crust.
  • Destructive margin: A boundary where a denser oceanic plate is forced beneath another plate and melts.
  • Conservative margin: A boundary where plates slide past each other; pressure builds and is released as earthquakes.

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

  • Focus: The point inside the Earth where an earthquake begins.
  • Epicentre: The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus.
  • Monitoring: Using instruments and observations to detect signs of a possible hazard, such as small tremors or gas emissions.

Core knowledge

Key facts for Tectonic Hazards

1

Constructive margin

A plate boundary where plates move apart and magma rises to form new crust.

2

Destructive margin

A boundary where a denser oceanic plate is forced beneath another plate and melts.

3

Conservative margin

A boundary where plates slide past each other; pressure builds and is released as earthquakes.

4

Focus

The point inside the Earth where an earthquake begins.

5

Epicentre

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus.

6

Monitoring

Using instruments and observations to detect signs of a possible hazard, such as small tremors or gas emissions.

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

  1. 1.Without looking, explain constructive margin and give one example or consequence.
  2. 2.Without looking, explain destructive margin and give one example or consequence.
  3. 3.Without looking, explain conservative margin and give one example or consequence.
  4. 4.Without looking, explain focus and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.

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Official AQA specification
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