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11 Dec 2025
•
Plate Tectonics - Edexcel GCSE Geography B Mind Maps
Samira Wadud
@amiraadud_fpvl
1 / 5
Earth's Structure and Plate Movement
Think of Earth as having six main layers, starting from the centre outward. The inner core is a solid ball of iron and nickel under immense pressure, whilst the outer core is molten and creates convection currents that transfer heat upward.
The mantle is Earth's largest layer, mostly solid rock except for the top part called the asthenosphere, which flows like thick treacle. Above this sits the lithosphere - solid rock that includes the crust, which splits into massive chunks called tectonic plates.
Here's the clever bit: convection currents work like a giant underground heating system. Radioactive decay in the core heats the asthenosphere, making it rise when hot (less dense) and sink when cool (more dense). This constant cycle pushes and pulls the tectonic plates above, causing them to move slowly across Earth's surface.
Quick Fact: These plates are still moving today - evidence suggests they once formed a supercontinent called Pangaea that gradually split apart!
Types of Plate Boundaries
Tectonic plates don't just wander about randomly - they move in three specific ways that create different geological features. Understanding these movements helps explain why certain areas experience more earthquakes and volcanoes.
Divergent boundaries occur when plates pull apart. Magma rises to fill the gap, creating new land through sea floor spreading. This process forms islands and ocean ridges, plus creates rift valleys like the East African Rift Valley.
Convergent boundaries happen when plates crash into each other. The denser oceanic plate usually subducts (slides under) the continental plate, melting in the mantle and creating magma that erupts as volcanoes. When two continental plates meet, neither can subduct, so they crumple upward forming fold mountains.
Conservative boundaries see plates sliding alongside each other. There's no magma movement here, but friction builds up enormous pressure that eventually releases in sudden jolts - creating powerful earthquakes and fault lines.
Remember: Divergent = apart, Convergent = towards, Conservative = alongside!
Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Not all volcanoes and earthquakes are created equal - their location determines their behaviour and danger level. Hotspots are special areas where volcanic activity occurs away from plate boundaries, as hot magma plumes rise through weaker crust.
Divergent volcanoes are relatively gentle with runny basalt lava that creates broad shield volcanoes. Convergent volcanoes are explosive beasts with thick andesite lava and dangerous pyroclastic flows - mixtures of rock, gas and ash that form steep composite volcanoes.
Earthquakes vary too. Conservative earthquakes tend to be shallow and incredibly destructive (like those along the San Andreas Fault), whilst convergent earthquakes can be deep but still powerful due to subduction friction.
Tsunamis form when underwater earthquakes displace massive amounts of seawater. These waves travel incredibly fast across oceans with low height, but as they approach coastlines, friction with the seabed slows them down whilst increasing their height - sometimes reaching 100 feet!
Danger Alert: The Richter scale measures earthquake strength - each number represents a tenfold increase in power!
Shield vs Composite Volcanoes
Knowing your volcano types could literally save your life if you're ever near one! Volcanoes are classified as active (erupt frequently), dormant (temporarily inactive), or extinct (never likely to erupt again).
Shield volcanoes form at constructive boundaries where plates pull apart. They're the gentle giants of the volcano world - wide, low cones with gentle slopes created by frequent eruptions of thin, fluid lava that flows easily across large areas.
Composite volcanoes are found at destructive boundaries and are far more dangerous. They're tall and narrow with steep slopes, built from alternating layers of lava and ash. When the oceanic plate melts in the subduction zone, it creates a magma pool that builds pressure until it explodes violently.
The key difference? Shield volcanoes let off steam regularly with predictable, gentle eruptions. Composite volcanoes build up pressure over time, then release it catastrophically with pyroclastic flows that can devastate entire regions.
Safety Tip: If you're near a composite volcano, take evacuation warnings seriously - these aren't gentle giants!
Case Study: Christchurch Earthquake 2011
Real-world disasters show just how devastating plate movements can be. The Christchurch earthquake struck New Zealand on 22nd February 2011, measuring 6.3 magnitude with a dangerously shallow focus of just 4.99km deep.
This earthquake occurred on a conservative plate boundary between the Pacific and Australian plates. Despite lasting only one minute, it killed 181 people and injured 2,000 more. Over 50% of the city's buildings were damaged, and schools closed for two weeks.
The economic impact was staggering - $1.2 billion needed for rebuilding, with tourism losses exceeding $300 million. Building insurance claims alone reached $898 million, showing how one geological event can cripple an entire region's economy.
The earthquake triggered landslides that cut off rural areas and nearly 100 aftershocks that made rescue work extremely dangerous. New Zealand's emergency services coped well, but international aid from Australia proved essential for recovery efforts.
Learning Point: Shallow earthquakes like this one cause maximum surface damage - depth matters as much as magnitude!
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Most popular content: Plate Tectonics
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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
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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
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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
Plate Tectonics - Edexcel GCSE Geography B Mind Maps
Samira Wadud
@amiraadud_fpvl
Ever wonder what's going on beneath your feet? The Earth is like a massive, layered onion with a molten core that's constantly moving and shifting. These movements create the dramatic geological events we see on the surface - from explosive... Show more
Earth's Structure and Plate Movement
Think of Earth as having six main layers, starting from the centre outward. The inner core is a solid ball of iron and nickel under immense pressure, whilst the outer core is molten and creates convection currents that transfer heat upward.
The mantle is Earth's largest layer, mostly solid rock except for the top part called the asthenosphere, which flows like thick treacle. Above this sits the lithosphere - solid rock that includes the crust, which splits into massive chunks called tectonic plates.
Here's the clever bit: convection currents work like a giant underground heating system. Radioactive decay in the core heats the asthenosphere, making it rise when hot (less dense) and sink when cool (more dense). This constant cycle pushes and pulls the tectonic plates above, causing them to move slowly across Earth's surface.
Quick Fact: These plates are still moving today - evidence suggests they once formed a supercontinent called Pangaea that gradually split apart!
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
Types of Plate Boundaries
Tectonic plates don't just wander about randomly - they move in three specific ways that create different geological features. Understanding these movements helps explain why certain areas experience more earthquakes and volcanoes.
Divergent boundaries occur when plates pull apart. Magma rises to fill the gap, creating new land through sea floor spreading. This process forms islands and ocean ridges, plus creates rift valleys like the East African Rift Valley.
Convergent boundaries happen when plates crash into each other. The denser oceanic plate usually subducts (slides under) the continental plate, melting in the mantle and creating magma that erupts as volcanoes. When two continental plates meet, neither can subduct, so they crumple upward forming fold mountains.
Conservative boundaries see plates sliding alongside each other. There's no magma movement here, but friction builds up enormous pressure that eventually releases in sudden jolts - creating powerful earthquakes and fault lines.
Remember: Divergent = apart, Convergent = towards, Conservative = alongside!
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
Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Not all volcanoes and earthquakes are created equal - their location determines their behaviour and danger level. Hotspots are special areas where volcanic activity occurs away from plate boundaries, as hot magma plumes rise through weaker crust.
Divergent volcanoes are relatively gentle with runny basalt lava that creates broad shield volcanoes. Convergent volcanoes are explosive beasts with thick andesite lava and dangerous pyroclastic flows - mixtures of rock, gas and ash that form steep composite volcanoes.
Earthquakes vary too. Conservative earthquakes tend to be shallow and incredibly destructive (like those along the San Andreas Fault), whilst convergent earthquakes can be deep but still powerful due to subduction friction.
Tsunamis form when underwater earthquakes displace massive amounts of seawater. These waves travel incredibly fast across oceans with low height, but as they approach coastlines, friction with the seabed slows them down whilst increasing their height - sometimes reaching 100 feet!
Danger Alert: The Richter scale measures earthquake strength - each number represents a tenfold increase in power!
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
Shield vs Composite Volcanoes
Knowing your volcano types could literally save your life if you're ever near one! Volcanoes are classified as active (erupt frequently), dormant (temporarily inactive), or extinct (never likely to erupt again).
Shield volcanoes form at constructive boundaries where plates pull apart. They're the gentle giants of the volcano world - wide, low cones with gentle slopes created by frequent eruptions of thin, fluid lava that flows easily across large areas.
Composite volcanoes are found at destructive boundaries and are far more dangerous. They're tall and narrow with steep slopes, built from alternating layers of lava and ash. When the oceanic plate melts in the subduction zone, it creates a magma pool that builds pressure until it explodes violently.
The key difference? Shield volcanoes let off steam regularly with predictable, gentle eruptions. Composite volcanoes build up pressure over time, then release it catastrophically with pyroclastic flows that can devastate entire regions.
Safety Tip: If you're near a composite volcano, take evacuation warnings seriously - these aren't gentle giants!
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
Case Study: Christchurch Earthquake 2011
Real-world disasters show just how devastating plate movements can be. The Christchurch earthquake struck New Zealand on 22nd February 2011, measuring 6.3 magnitude with a dangerously shallow focus of just 4.99km deep.
This earthquake occurred on a conservative plate boundary between the Pacific and Australian plates. Despite lasting only one minute, it killed 181 people and injured 2,000 more. Over 50% of the city's buildings were damaged, and schools closed for two weeks.
The economic impact was staggering - $1.2 billion needed for rebuilding, with tourism losses exceeding $300 million. Building insurance claims alone reached $898 million, showing how one geological event can cripple an entire region's economy.
The earthquake triggered landslides that cut off rural areas and nearly 100 aftershocks that made rescue work extremely dangerous. New Zealand's emergency services coped well, but international aid from Australia proved essential for recovery efforts.
Learning Point: Shallow earthquakes like this one cause maximum surface damage - depth matters as much as magnitude!
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?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Plate Tectonics
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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
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