IGCSE Geography (0460)
Characteristics of volcanoes and earthquakes
What this topic tests, the mistakes that cost marks, and one exam-style question worked through step by step.
Key ideas and common mistakes
- Distinguish between primary volcanic hazards (directly from eruption, like lava, ash, pyroclastic flows) and secondary ones (like lahars), and avoid listing unrelated hazards such as earthquakes or landslides not caused by the eruption.
- The focus is the underground point where an earthquake starts, and the epicentre is the point on the surface directly above it, so match 'surface' to epicentre.
- The Richter scale measures the magnitude (energy released) of an earthquake, not its effects or damage, so confusing it with intensity or destruction is the common error.
Worked example
Name three hazards that can be produced by a volcanic eruption.
Try it first, then show the working
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Volcanic eruptions produce several hazards, including lava flows, fast-moving pyroclastic flows, falling ash, lahars (volcanic mudflows) and toxic gases.
Answer: Lava flows, pyroclastic flows and ash (also lahars).
Try one yourself
During an earthquake, energy is released from a point underground. Identify the name given to the point on the Earth's surface directly above where…Answer it and get it marked →
Identify the name given to the point underground where an earthquake actually originates and its energy is first released.Answer it and get it marked →
Name the point on the Earth's surface that lies directly above the focus (origin) of an earthquake, and where the shaking is usually strongest.Answer it and get it marked →
5 exam-style questions on Characteristics of volcanoes and earthquakes, each marked to the scheme.
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Questions are exam-style practice written to the IGCSE Geography (0460) syllabus. Cambridge IGCSE is a registered trademark of Cambridge University Press & Assessment; MOOBON Axiom is independent and not affiliated with it.