The Theory Of Plate Tectonics
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the motions of the Earth's lithosphere. The Earth is split up into many different plates which a constantly moving, being pushed by convection currents underneath the Earth's crust. Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Mountains and more and can be the cause of these plates either converging, diverging or transforming.
Earthquake (MEDC)
The Earthquake we will be looking at is Kobe, Japan, 1995. The Kobe earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale and made a massive impact on Japan itself. The Earthquake happened because Kobe is on a minor fault which lies above a destructive plate margin. It is here that the Philippines plate is forced downwards on contact with the Eurasian plate.
Volcano (LEDC)
The Volcano we will be describing is Chances Peak, Montserrat, 1995-1997. Although the volcano had been dormant for over 300 years, it had started to give off small warnings that it would yet again be active. It was active for 5 years, but the main eruptions occurred in 1997. The volcano erupted because the Atlantic plate subducted under the Caribbean plate.