Tectonic Plates Overview

The process where two tectonic plates move apart, causing the Earth's crust to thin and crack. This thinning allows magma to rise from the mantle, creating new oceanic crust.

Underwater mountain ranges formed when magma rises at divergent plate boundaries, creating new oceanic crust.

Volcanic eruptions that occur underwater, often at mid-oceanic ridges, forming new oceanic crust.

A system of cracks and valleys formed at divergent plate boundaries where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart.

Earthquakes caused by the movement and stress of tectonic plates pulling apart at divergent plate boundaries.

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide and one plate slides beneath the other.

The process where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, often associated with volcanoes and earthquakes.

A deep, narrow trench located in the ocean floor, formed at convergent plate boundaries where one plate subducts beneath another.

Mountains formed by compressional forces at convergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates collide and buckle.

A geological feature where molten rock, called magma, rises to the surface from within the Earth's mantle, resulting in eruptions and the formation of volcanic cones.

A sudden and violent release of energy in the Earth's crust, often caused by the movement of tectonic plates, resulting in seismic waves.

The boundary between two tectonic plates where they move towards each other, causing subduction, volcanic activity, and earthquakes.

The potential negative impacts, both human and physical, that could arise from a tectonic disaster, such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption.

Strategies implemented to minimize the impact of tectonic disasters on people and the environment.

Actions taken to minimize damage and loss of life during a tectonic hazard (e.g., earthquake, tsunami).

Measures implemented to aid recovery and promote resilience after a tectonic hazard event has occurred.

The negative consequences experienced after a tectonic disaster, affecting various aspects like environment, society, and economy.

Financial assistance provided to people affected by a disaster to help them rebuild their lives and recover lost assets.

The susceptibility of a region to suffer from the effects of tectonic hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes).

The degree to which a region is able to cope with and recover from disaster events.

Water sources, like rivers, lakes, or groundwater, can be easily contaminated with volcanic debris and sediment during an eruption, impacting water quality and availability.

The rapid melting of snow and ice on a volcano's summit during an eruption can trigger lahars, which are fast-moving mudflows that can cause significant destruction.

Volcanic eruptions can release groundwater through cracks and fractures in the earth, contributing to the formation of lahars.

Heavy rainfall during or after a volcanic eruption can mix with volcanic ash and debris to form lahars, posing a serious hazard.

The direction and distribution of volcanic ash and tephra are heavily influenced by prevailing wind patterns.

A bowl-shaped depression at the top of a volcano, often formed after an eruption.

An opening on the Earth's surface through which volcanic materials erupt. May be a main vent or a secondary vent if the main vent is blocked.

The central passageway inside a volcano through which magma travels from the magma chamber to the vent.

An area within the Earth's crust where magma is stored.

A triangular-shaped hill or mountain formed by the accumulation of lava at a vent.

Volcanic eruptions occur when plates move apart at divergent plate boundaries. The decreased pressure causes magma to rise and erupt as lava.

Volcanic eruptions occur when plates collide at convergent boundaries. The denser plate subducts, releasing water that melts the overlying mantle, causing magma to rise and erupt.

Stratovolcanoes form through a series of explosive eruptions, building up layers of ash, lava, and rocks.

The process of coordinating resources and taking actions to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Actions taken immediately after a disaster to save lives, minimize damage, and provide immediate relief.

Activities focused on restoring and improving the lives and livelihoods of affected communities after a disaster.

The actions taken to reduce the likelihood and impact of a disaster, such as planning, preparedness, and risk mitigation.

Actions taken to minimize the impacts of a disaster, such as through building codes, evacuation plans, and early warning systems.

Groups or individuals directly or indirectly affected by a disaster, such as communities, businesses, and government agencies.

Challenges faced in disaster management, such as lack of resources, communication issues, and coordination difficulties.

The process of evaluating the effectiveness of disaster management strategies and identifying areas for improvement.