Layers of the Earth

Earthquakes (GCSE)

In this course, Professor Richard Walker (University of Oxford) introduces to us the concept of earthquakes. To begin, we: (i) understand the layers of the Earth, including tectonic plates; and (ii) begin to define earthquakes and their hazards; (iii) look at the factors that influence the amount of damage that earthquakes can cause; before (iv) understanding how we can predict, prepare for and protect against earthquakes; (v) investigate the 2023 February Türkiye-Syria earthquake as a case study; (vi) and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami; before finally (vii) understand the causes and effects of tsunamis.

Layers of the Earth

In this first lecture, we introduce the concept of earthquakes. We begin by understanding their context by looking at the Earth’s structure, its core, mantle, and crust, and how the mantle is involved in heat transfer and plate tectonics through solid-state convection. We then move onto outlining the different types of plate boundaries, which facilitate the movement and interaction of tectonic plates leading to earthquakes. To finish, we learn how earthquakes occur at these boundaries and affect both oceanic and continental regions.