The reason we learn about shifting plates and convection currents is so that we can better understand the features created by this movement, as well as natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. We have spent the past couple of classes exploring the nature of earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as a few key case studies. These case studies are important, because they help us better understand the notion of natural hazards vs. natural disasters. In addition, they help us add a critical thinking layer to all of this, by giving us a window into the notion of 'unnatural disasters', and the human variables that make natural disasters worse.
Anchorage, Alaska, Earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused by the shifting of plates and the release of pressure. They occur most often at plate boundaries, though can be caused by human activity like fracking or the construction of mega-dams. They occur all of the time, though very few of them are actually felt. About 100 earthquakes every year cause significant damage.
Here is the earthquake notes and worksheets that we have used in this unit. Note that they differ between morning and afternoon classes.
EXTRA STUDY RESOURCES
Super helpful handout on 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami including outline of impacts
Article: Why Earthquakes Hurt the Poor - The Guardian
Boxing Day Tsunami - Sky News, 10 Years After
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