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Understanding Hazardous Earth - GCSE Geography Paper 1 (Edexcel B)

1

0

L

Lily Purser

05/12/2025

Geography

HAZARDOUS EARTH GEO B PAPER 1

280

5 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Hazardous Earth - GCSE Geography Paper 1 (Edexcel B)

L

Lily Purser

@lilypurser_

Hazardous Earth explores how our planet's powerful natural processes create... Show more

HON do Cyclones
form
warm sea remp
High numiouty,
1982
Rapid cooling
@low wind snear
107102102
DURA
S conolls force to give for spin
W
Dissi

Tropical Cyclones and Climate Systems

Ever wondered why tropical storms always spin in the same direction? Tropical cyclones form when specific conditions align perfectly: ocean temperatures above 26°C, high humidity, and low wind shear. The Earth's rotation (Coriolis force) creates that distinctive spiral pattern as warm, moist air rises.

These massive weather systems can reach up to 640km wide and 10km high, with a distinctive eye of high pressure surrounded by spiraling winds. When cyclones reach land or colder water, they quickly lose power since they're fueled by warm ocean water.

Global atmospheric circulation explains our planet's weather patterns. The Earth has three major circulation cells (Hadley, Ferrel and Polar) that distribute heat around the globe. Where air rises, we get low pressure and rainfall; where it falls, we experience high pressure and clear skies.

Did you know? Climate change evidence is becoming increasingly clear - Arctic sea ice is disappearing at a rate of 13% per decade, and sea levels rose 14cm during the 20th century alone.

Climate change has both natural and human causes. Natural factors include Milankovitch cycles (Earth's orbit changes), solar activity variations, volcanic eruptions, and asteroid impacts. The consequences are far-reaching: melting ice caps, habitat loss, species extinction, sea level rise, and increasingly severe weather events.

HON do Cyclones
form
warm sea remp
High numiouty,
1982
Rapid cooling
@low wind snear
107102102
DURA
S conolls force to give for spin
W
Dissi

Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics

The 2010 Haiti earthquake lasted just 20 seconds but changed a nation forever. With a magnitude of 7, it killed 230,000 people, injured 300,000 more, and destroyed 280,000 buildings. Poor construction standards amplified the devastation. Secondary impacts included one million homeless people and widespread disease.

Earth's structure directly influences these disasters. Our planet has distinct layers: a solid inner core (5500°C), liquid outer core, semi-molten mantle, and the thin crust we live on. The crust comes in two types: oceanic (under oceans) and continental (under land masses).

When tectonic plates interact at boundaries, they create different hazards. Convergent boundaries occur where plates collide, often creating subduction zones where one plate slides beneath another. These zones produce violent composite volcanoes with thick lava and devastating earthquakes. Divergent boundaries form where plates separate, allowing magma to rise and create shield volcanoes with thinner lava.

Remember this: The 2011 Tohoku earthquake (magnitude 9) triggered not just structural damage but also a tsunami and nuclear disaster at Fukushima, showing how natural disasters can cascade into complex emergencies.

Hotspot theory explains volcanic chains like Hawaii - fixed spots in the mantle where magma rises to the surface as plates slowly move overhead. At conservative boundaries, plates slide past each other at different speeds, building up pressure that eventually releases as earthquakes when the friction is overcome.



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Natural Hazards Overview

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

 

Geography

280

5 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Hazardous Earth - GCSE Geography Paper 1 (Edexcel B)

L

Lily Purser

@lilypurser_

Hazardous Earth explores how our planet's powerful natural processes create both everyday weather patterns and extreme natural disasters. From tropical cyclones to devastating earthquakes, this topic connects the inner workings of Earth with the destructive events that impact human settlements.

HON do Cyclones
form
warm sea remp
High numiouty,
1982
Rapid cooling
@low wind snear
107102102
DURA
S conolls force to give for spin
W
Dissi

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Tropical Cyclones and Climate Systems

Ever wondered why tropical storms always spin in the same direction? Tropical cyclones form when specific conditions align perfectly: ocean temperatures above 26°C, high humidity, and low wind shear. The Earth's rotation (Coriolis force) creates that distinctive spiral pattern as warm, moist air rises.

These massive weather systems can reach up to 640km wide and 10km high, with a distinctive eye of high pressure surrounded by spiraling winds. When cyclones reach land or colder water, they quickly lose power since they're fueled by warm ocean water.

Global atmospheric circulation explains our planet's weather patterns. The Earth has three major circulation cells (Hadley, Ferrel and Polar) that distribute heat around the globe. Where air rises, we get low pressure and rainfall; where it falls, we experience high pressure and clear skies.

Did you know? Climate change evidence is becoming increasingly clear - Arctic sea ice is disappearing at a rate of 13% per decade, and sea levels rose 14cm during the 20th century alone.

Climate change has both natural and human causes. Natural factors include Milankovitch cycles (Earth's orbit changes), solar activity variations, volcanic eruptions, and asteroid impacts. The consequences are far-reaching: melting ice caps, habitat loss, species extinction, sea level rise, and increasingly severe weather events.

HON do Cyclones
form
warm sea remp
High numiouty,
1982
Rapid cooling
@low wind snear
107102102
DURA
S conolls force to give for spin
W
Dissi

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics

The 2010 Haiti earthquake lasted just 20 seconds but changed a nation forever. With a magnitude of 7, it killed 230,000 people, injured 300,000 more, and destroyed 280,000 buildings. Poor construction standards amplified the devastation. Secondary impacts included one million homeless people and widespread disease.

Earth's structure directly influences these disasters. Our planet has distinct layers: a solid inner core (5500°C), liquid outer core, semi-molten mantle, and the thin crust we live on. The crust comes in two types: oceanic (under oceans) and continental (under land masses).

When tectonic plates interact at boundaries, they create different hazards. Convergent boundaries occur where plates collide, often creating subduction zones where one plate slides beneath another. These zones produce violent composite volcanoes with thick lava and devastating earthquakes. Divergent boundaries form where plates separate, allowing magma to rise and create shield volcanoes with thinner lava.

Remember this: The 2011 Tohoku earthquake (magnitude 9) triggered not just structural damage but also a tsunami and nuclear disaster at Fukushima, showing how natural disasters can cascade into complex emergencies.

Hotspot theory explains volcanic chains like Hawaii - fixed spots in the mantle where magma rises to the surface as plates slowly move overhead. At conservative boundaries, plates slide past each other at different speeds, building up pressure that eventually releases as earthquakes when the friction is overcome.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

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.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Most popular content: Natural Hazards

Natural Hazards Overview

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.

GeographyGeography
10

Most popular content in Geography

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

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