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.
Core knowledge
Key facts for Tectonic Hazards
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.
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.
Finished learning?
Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.