Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are caused by movements within the Earth. The crust is not all in one piece but is divided into alot of sections called plates. Underneath the plates there is the mantle. The plates float on the mantle and move about very slowly. The place where plates meat is called a plate boundary. Amongst those many gentle movements, occasionaly one may be violent. The movement of these plates boundaries can cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The different types of plate movements

1. Constructive margins

This is when two plates move away from eachother. Magma rises to fill the gap and forms new oceanic crust. This causes the formation of new volcanoes and earthquake activity.

2. Destructive margins

This is when plates containing oceanic crust moves towards plates of continental crust. Where they meet there is a deep sea trench. This can be severe volcanic and earthquake activity.

3. Collision zones

This is when continental crusts move together. The crust forces the rocks between them to form Fold Mountains. This causes eartthquake but not volcanic activity.

4. Conservative margins

This is when two plates slide past one another. Here a crust is not being formed nor being destroyed. Earthquakes can occur but volcanic activity cannot.

The Mediterranean region is considered as a seismic region, which means, the Mediterranean gets earthquakes. The three main countries which feel shakes are Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

 

1. Turkey had it really bad and was called the Izmit earthquake.
2. Italy had its deadlies in Aquila
3. Greece also had a really bad earthquake.

Beneficial aspect of volcanoes

1. The ash and lava of  volcanoes break up into ferile soil. For example the slopes of Mount Etna are used for growing vegetables, peaches and apricots. It is also famous for olive, grapes and vine trees. The slopes of Mount Etna provide a soil which is rich in nutrients, south facing slopes to catch the sun and well drained soil.

2.  Once the lava cools down, it forms a precious rock, the igneous rock.

3.  Volcanoes may be used for geothermal energy and volcanoes make a great tourist attraction.