Tectonic+Impacts

Throughout the history of the Earth, the movement of plates has resulted in continual global environmental change. This unit allows students to examine the scale of change by gathering and analysing information that indicates past tectonic activity and by considering the effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Current research suggests that throughout Earth history, global tectonics has followed a cyclic pattern resulting in the formation and breakup of supercontinents. The processes of continental agglomeration and sea floor spreading have resulted in the development of mountain belts characterised by distinctive lithologies and geological structures. Interpretation of the broad geological patterns on the Australian continent indicate how Australia has evolved.

On a smaller time scale, the impacts of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that have occurred in the recorded history of humans provide insight into the slow but inexorable change brought upon land masses by tectonic activity. Students have the opportunity to examine how new technologies are facilitating the prediction of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

**//This module increases the students’ understanding of the historical background, the nature and practice, the applications and uses, the implications for society and the environment and the current issues, research and developments in Earth and Environmental Science.//**

**__Lesson Power Points__**

Topic 1- Lithospheric Plates

Topic 2 & 3 - Mountain Building and How Australia Has Changed

Topic 4- Natural Disasters-Volcanic Eruptions

Topic 5- Natural Disasters-Earthquakes

Topic 6- Plate Tectonics and Climate Change