Our earth is dynamic, and constantly changing.  There is evidence that the continents were once in very different positions! To understand the forces behind these changes we have to understand the structure of the earth. The earth's crust is made up of a series of plates which move relative to each other. It is this movement that results in the natural hazards that are volcanoes and earthquakes. This unit investigates the physical causes of earthquakes and volcanoes as well as the way in which humans are affected by and in many cases have learnt to live with these potential killers! 

The Structure of the Earth

Plate Boundaries and Tectonic Activity

Distribution of Volcanoes & Earthquakes

Volcanoes - What happens?

Case study of a Volcano - Mt Pinatubo

Why Live near volcanoes?

Earthquakes - what happens?

Human responses to earthquakes

Keyword Glossary

Keyword Quiz

Keyword Wordsearch

Weblinks

Plate Tectonics Internet Enquiry

Homework Tasks

Why live near volcanoes? Task

Kobe Enquiry