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Earthquakes Explain, with reference to examples that you have studied, how the theory of plate tectonics helps to explain the distribution of earthquakes around the world. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C. - 2012
Question C.
Earthquakes Explain, with reference to examples that you have studied, how the theory of plate tectonics helps to explain the distribution of earthquakes around the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Earthquakes Explain, with reference to examples that you have studied, how the theory of plate tectonics helps to explain the distribution of earthquakes around the world. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C. - 2012
Step 1
Global examples/locations of earthquakes
Answer
To illustrate how plate tectonics explains the distribution of earthquakes, we can refer to specific examples:
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The Pacific Ring of Fire: This area is notorious for its frequent seismic activity due to the presence of multiple tectonic plate boundaries, including convergent and transform boundaries. Countries like Japan, Indonesia, and the west coast of the Americas regularly experience earthquakes due to the interactions of the Pacific Plate with the surrounding plates.
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Himalayan Region: The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate has resulted in significant earthquakes. The 2015 earthquake in Nepal serves as a prominent example of how tectonic activities can lead to devastating seismic events in this region.
Step 2
Discussion
Answer
The distribution of earthquakes is deeply rooted in the dynamics of plate tectonics. Here are several key points to consider:
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Plate Boundaries: Most earthquakes occur at tectonic plate boundaries. There are three main types of boundaries; convergent, divergent, and transform. At convergent boundaries, plates move toward each other, causing significant stress and resulting in earthquakes. In contrast, divergent boundaries, where plates separate, can also generate quakes as new crust forms. Transform boundaries, such as the San Andreas Fault, create friction as plates slide past one another, resulting in earthquakes.
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Seismic Activity: The intensity and frequency of earthquakes can vary depending on the type of plate interaction. For example, subduction zones, where one plate is forced beneath another, often produce the most powerful earthquakes.
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Hot Spots: Earthquakes can also occur away from plate boundaries in areas known as hot spots. For example, the Hawaiian Islands have experienced seismic activity due to volcanic activity associated with a stationary mantle plume.
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Historical Evidence: The study of historical earthquakes helps backup the theory of plate tectonics; patterns in seismic events correlate strongly with the movement of tectonic plates. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake can be connected to the movement along the San Andreas Fault.
In summary, the theory of plate tectonics offers significant insight into the global distribution of earthquakes, providing a framework to understand why certain areas are more prone to seismic activity based on their geological formations and boundary interactions.