Tectonic Processes and Hazards

Tectonic Processes and Hazards explores the dynamic nature of Earth's lithosphere, focusing on the mechanisms driving plate tectonics and the resulting hazards. You'll study the internal structure of the Earth, convection currents in the mantle, and the evidence for plate movement, including palaeomagnetism and sea-floor spreading. This topic is central to physical geography because it explains the distribution of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, and their impacts on human populations and environments.

Understanding tectonic hazards is crucial for managing risk in vulnerable regions. The course covers hazard profiles, including magnitude, frequency, and predictability, and compares responses in developed vs developing countries. You'll evaluate models like the Hazard Management Cycle and the Park Model, and consider the role of technology in prediction and mitigation. This topic connects to other areas of geography, such as climate change (e.g., volcanic ash affecting global temperatures) and population dynamics (e.g., migration after disasters).

Mastery of this topic requires linking physical processes with human responses. You'll analyse case studies like the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, assessing why some communities are more resilient than others. By the end, you should be able to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies like land-use zoning, building codes, and public education in reducing vulnerability. This knowledge is not only exam-relevant but also fosters a deeper appreciation of the planet's ever-changing surface.