Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
Geography
4 Dec 2025
376
1 page
Olivia Moss @liviaoss_edsujresivr
Ever wondered why earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happen where they do? It's all about massive pieces of Earth's... Show more
Think of Earth like a giant layered cake that's constantly in motion. The mantle is made of semi-molten rock that moves incredibly slowly, creating convection currents that drive everything above it.
Earth's crust sits on top and is broken into 7 large tectonic plates plus several smaller ones. There are two main types oceanic crust and continental crust (much thicker but less dense). These plates are basically massive chunks of rock floating on the mantle.
The core has two parts - the outer core is liquid iron and nickel, while the inner core is solid and reaches a scorching 5500°C. All this heat from below keeps the mantle moving, which pushes the plates around.
Quick Fact Tectonic plates move about as fast as your fingernails grow - just a few centimetres per year!
Where tectonic plates meet, called plate margins, is where all the action happens. Destructive margins occur when two plates crash into each other - the denser oceanic plate gets pushed under the continental plate, melting from friction and heat to create volcanoes and earthquakes.
Constructive margins are the opposite - plates pull apart, letting magma rise through the gap. This creates runny lava that travels far before cooling, building shield volcanoes over time.
Conservative margins are where plates slide past each other sideways. The friction builds up until it suddenly releases, causing earthquakes but no volcanoes since there's no gap for magma to escape.
Most volcanoes and earthquakes happen along these plate margins, especially around the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, some occur at hotspots away from margins where particularly hot mantle rock pushes upward.
You might wonder why millions of people live in earthquake and volcano zones. Often it's because they've always lived there and don't want to leave family behind. Poverty means many can't afford to relocate, whilst others think these disasters are so rare they won't happen in their lifetime.
Surprisingly, many stay because of the benefits - volcanic soil is incredibly fertile for farming, and geothermal energy provides cheap power. Plus, modern monitoring systems make people feel safer since they'll get warnings.
The key is managing the risks through the "4 Ps" Planning (evacuation routes, emergency supplies), Prediction (identifying vulnerable areas), Protection , and Monitoring (watching for warning signs). These work much better in wealthy countries that can afford the technology.
The 2010 earthquakes in Haiti and Chile show how a country's wealth affects disaster outcomes. Haiti's earthquake killed over 200,000 people and injured 300,000 more, destroying hospitals, schools and homes. The response was slow, and hundreds of thousands had to relocate permanently.
Chile's earthquake was actually stronger but killed only around 500 people - far fewer than the 800,000 initially feared. Though it cost $30 billion and destroyed 220,000 homes, Chile's emergency services responded quickly and 90% of homes had power and water restored within ten days.
Key Point Wealth doesn't prevent natural disasters, but it dramatically reduces their impact on people's lives.
The difference shows how earthquake-proof buildings, better emergency planning, and stronger infrastructure in wealthier countries like Chile save thousands of lives compared to poorer nations like Haiti.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
5
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the critical concepts of natural hazards in this comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. Covering key topics such as climate change, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical storms, this resource includes detailed case studies on the Somerset Levels, Typhoon Haiyan, and the Haiti earthquake. Ideal for GCSE Geography students seeking to understand the dynamics of hazardous earth processes and their impacts.
GeographyQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Olivia Moss
@liviaoss_edsujresivr
Ever wondered why earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happen where they do? It's all about massive pieces of Earth's crust called tectonic plates that are constantly moving around on hot, semi-molten rock. Understanding how these plates interact helps explain some of... Show more
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Think of Earth like a giant layered cake that's constantly in motion. The mantle is made of semi-molten rock that moves incredibly slowly, creating convection currents that drive everything above it.
Earth's crust sits on top and is broken into 7 large tectonic plates plus several smaller ones. There are two main types: oceanic crust and continental crust (much thicker but less dense). These plates are basically massive chunks of rock floating on the mantle.
The core has two parts - the outer core is liquid iron and nickel, while the inner core is solid and reaches a scorching 5500°C. All this heat from below keeps the mantle moving, which pushes the plates around.
Quick Fact: Tectonic plates move about as fast as your fingernails grow - just a few centimetres per year!
Where tectonic plates meet, called plate margins, is where all the action happens. Destructive margins occur when two plates crash into each other - the denser oceanic plate gets pushed under the continental plate, melting from friction and heat to create volcanoes and earthquakes.
Constructive margins are the opposite - plates pull apart, letting magma rise through the gap. This creates runny lava that travels far before cooling, building shield volcanoes over time.
Conservative margins are where plates slide past each other sideways. The friction builds up until it suddenly releases, causing earthquakes but no volcanoes since there's no gap for magma to escape.
Most volcanoes and earthquakes happen along these plate margins, especially around the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, some occur at hotspots away from margins where particularly hot mantle rock pushes upward.
You might wonder why millions of people live in earthquake and volcano zones. Often it's because they've always lived there and don't want to leave family behind. Poverty means many can't afford to relocate, whilst others think these disasters are so rare they won't happen in their lifetime.
Surprisingly, many stay because of the benefits - volcanic soil is incredibly fertile for farming, and geothermal energy provides cheap power. Plus, modern monitoring systems make people feel safer since they'll get warnings.
The key is managing the risks through the "4 Ps": Planning (evacuation routes, emergency supplies), Prediction (identifying vulnerable areas), Protection , and Monitoring (watching for warning signs). These work much better in wealthy countries that can afford the technology.
The 2010 earthquakes in Haiti and Chile show how a country's wealth affects disaster outcomes. Haiti's earthquake killed over 200,000 people and injured 300,000 more, destroying hospitals, schools and homes. The response was slow, and hundreds of thousands had to relocate permanently.
Chile's earthquake was actually stronger but killed only around 500 people - far fewer than the 800,000 initially feared. Though it cost $30 billion and destroyed 220,000 homes, Chile's emergency services responded quickly and 90% of homes had power and water restored within ten days.
Key Point: Wealth doesn't prevent natural disasters, but it dramatically reduces their impact on people's lives.
The difference shows how earthquake-proof buildings, better emergency planning, and stronger infrastructure in wealthier countries like Chile save thousands of lives compared to poorer nations like Haiti.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
5
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the critical concepts of natural hazards in this comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. Covering key topics such as climate change, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical storms, this resource includes detailed case studies on the Somerset Levels, Typhoon Haiyan, and the Haiti earthquake. Ideal for GCSE Geography students seeking to understand the dynamics of hazardous earth processes and their impacts.
GeographyQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology