GCSE Geology WJEC

This subject is broken down into 15 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Planet Earth 3 topics
  2. Processes and Products 5 topics
  3. Geohazards 4 topics
  4. Geology and the Human Environment 3 topics
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  • 4
    modules
  • 15
    topics
  • 5,450
    words of revision content
  • 42+
    minutes of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Geology

Planet Earth

Earth's structure

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Earth's structure

Earth's Structure

Inner Core

  • The inner core is the central part of the earth.
  • It is mostly composed of iron and nickel, giving it strong magnetic properties.
  • Pressure at the inner core is extremely high - about 3 million times atmospheric pressure.
  • Despite the high temperatures (up to 5700°C), the inner core is solid due to immense pressure exerted on it.

Outer Core

  • Surrounding the inner core is the outer core.
  • This is a layer of molten iron and nickel. Its temperatures range between 4000°C and 5700°C.
  • The outer core is responsible for the creation of Earth's magnetic field through a process known as the dynamo effect.

Mantle

  • Above the outer core lies the mantle, the thickest layer of the Earth.
  • It's divided into the upper mantle and the lower mantle, each with different geological properties.
  • The mantle is composed mostly of silicate rocks, rich in iron and magnesium.
  • The upper layers of the mantle mix with the plates of the crust, forming a region called the asthenosphere.

Crust

  • The uppermost layer of the earth is called the crust.
  • It is relatively thin compared to the other layers, with depths ranging from 5km to 70km.
  • Two types of crust exist: the oceanic crust (density around 3.0g/cm³) and the continental crust (density around 2.7g/cm³).
  • The crust is mainly comprised of silicate rocks and is broken up into numerous tectonic plates.

Lithosphere

  • The lithosphere is the rigid outermost shell of a planet.
  • Earth's lithosphere includes the crust and the uppermost mantle.
  • The lithosphere is broken into a number of tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.

Course material for Geology, module Planet Earth, topic Earth's structure

Geology

Geohazards

Earthquakes

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Earthquakes

Earthquake Basics

  • Earthquakes happen when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, causing seismic waves that cause the ground to shake.
  • They can be caused by various geological processes such as tectonic shifts, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. The majority are caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
  • The point where the earthquake originates below the earth's surface is called the hypocentre.
  • The point directly above the hypocentre, on the earth's surface, is known as the epicentre.

Earthquake Science

  • The energy released during an earthquake travels in the form of waves. These include P waves (primary waves), S waves (secondary waves), and surface waves.
  • P waves are the fastest seismic waves, travelling through solids, liquids and gases. They cause particles to move in the same direction as the wave.
  • S waves are slower than P waves and only travel through solids. They cause particles to move perpendicular to the wave direction.
  • Surface waves are slower than P and S waves, but they are often the most destructive because they cause the most noticeable shaking.

Earthquake Measurement

  • The strength of earthquakes is measured using the Richter Scale. It measures the magnitude of an earthquake by recording the highest amplitude of the seismic waves.
  • Another scale used to measure earthquakes is the Mercalli Scale, which assesses the damage caused by an earthquake and the human perception of shaking.
  • Seismologists use a machine called a seismograph to measure the energy released by an earthquake.

Effects of Earthquakes

  • Earthquakes can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, and can lead to injury and loss of life.
  • Severe earthquakes can also cause landslides and tsunamis, which bring additional hazards.
  • Long-term effects can include changes to the landscape and the displacement of people.

Earthquake Preparation and Mitigation

  • Buildings in earthquake-prone areas are often designed to withstand earthquakes, using flexible materials and specific architectural designs.
  • Early warning systems can help alert people to the approach of strong seismic waves, providing valuable time to find safety.
  • Regular drills and education can help communities understand what to do in the event of an earthquake.

Course material for Geology, module Geohazards, topic Earthquakes

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