Question 1: What is 'seafloor spreading'?

Answer: Seafloor spreading is the process where new oceanic crust is created at divergent boundaries, causing plates to move apart.

Question 2: Define 'subduction zone'.

Answer: A subduction zone is an area where one tectonic plate is forced below another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Question 3: Name the three main types of plate boundaries.

Answer: Divergent, Convergent, Transform

Question 4: Explain the term 'plate tectonics'.

Answer: Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several large and small plates that move relative to each other, causing geological activity.

Question 5: Identify the primary types of plate movements at divergent boundaries.

Answer: Seafloor spreading and rift formation

Question 1: Where is the Ring of Fire located, and why is it significant?

Answer: The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to active subduction zones and tectonic plate movements.

Question 2: Describe the process that causes earthquakes at transform fault boundaries, with an example.

Answer: Earthquakes occur when plates slide past each other along transform faults, such as the San Andreas Fault in California, where stress builds up and is released suddenly.

Question 3: Name two major volcanic arcs associated with subduction zones.

Answer: The Andes Volcanic Arc in South America and the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Question 4: What is the significance of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in understanding plate movement?

Answer: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a divergent boundary where seafloor spreading occurs, demonstrating the process of plates moving apart and new crust forming.

Question 1: Describe how the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American Plate contributed to the Tohoku earthquake.

Answer: The Pacific Plate's subduction beneath the North American Plate caused stress accumulation along the plate boundary, which was released suddenly during the 2011 earthquake, generating a magnitude 9.0 event.

Question 2: Identify two primary impacts of the earthquake and tsunami on Japan's infrastructure and population.

Answer: The earthquake caused widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure, and the tsunami led to over 15,000 deaths and displacing thousands of residents.

Question 3: Explain how plate tectonics influenced the location of the earthquake's epicenter in northeastern Japan.

Answer: The earthquake occurred along the convergent boundary where the Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, causing stress accumulation and rupture in that region.

Question 4: Discuss the role of the Pacific Ring of Fire in the frequency of seismic events like the Tohoku earthquake.

Answer: The Ring of Fire is an active zone with numerous subduction zones, volcanic arcs, and transform faults, making it highly susceptible to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of mountain formation at convergent plate boundaries, citing specific examples.

Answer: Mountains form at convergent boundaries where continental plates collide, causing crustal compression and uplift. For example, the Himalayas resulted from the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Question 2: Explain why volcanic activity is common along subduction zones, with reference to specific locations.

Answer: Subduction zones facilitate melting of the descending plate due to high pressure and temperature, generating magma that fuels volcanic eruptions, as seen in the Andes and the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Question 3: Analyse the geological processes leading to the formation of oceanic trenches.

Answer: Oceanic trenches form at convergent boundaries where dense oceanic plates are subducted beneath lighter continental or oceanic plates, creating deep depressions like the Mariana Trench.

Question 1: To what extent are current early warning systems effective in mitigating the impacts of earthquakes like the 2011 Tohoku event?

Answer: Current early warning systems have improved significantly, providing seconds to minutes of warning that can save lives and reduce damage. In Japan, the integrated network and public education have increased preparedness. However, limitations exist in predicting the exact timing and magnitude, and infrastructure resilience varies globally. Overall, these systems are effective but require continuous advancement and investment to maximize their potential in reducing earthquake impacts.

Question 2: Evaluate the success of international strategies aimed at managing and reducing the risks associated with plate tectonic hazards.

Answer: International strategies such as global seismic monitoring networks, disaster risk reduction frameworks, and shared research have enhanced understanding and preparedness. Countries like Japan and New Zealand demonstrate effective mitigation through strict building codes and public education. Nonetheless, disparities in resources and governance limit global effectiveness. While successes are evident in some regions, comprehensive risk management requires ongoing international cooperation, funding, and technological innovation to address the complex and unpredictable nature of plate tectonic hazards.