Saint Joseph College of Canlaon, Inc.

Samaka Village, Brgy. Mabigo Canlaon City Neg. Or

Learning Module in Science 10

The Science of Plate

Tectonics and Disaster
Preparedness

Imagetakenfrom:
https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=plate+tectonics+wallpaper+30000+hd&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjykpeR__npAhUF0pQKHaRGDRsQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=plate+tectonics+wallpaper+30000+hd&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoECCMQJ1ClXF
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 Unit 1

THE DYNAMIC EARTH

Photo taken from: https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=the+dynamic+earth+hd&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwivhs7lhvrpAhXKxosBHYeuARYQ2-

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Unit 1: Earth and Space

Overview

In the previous grade level, you became familiar with the different types of volcanoes. You are also able to
determine the factors that give the distinct conical shapes of volcanoes. Lastly, you understood how energy can
be harnessed from volcanic activities.

In this particular module, the activities included will allow you to find out whatcauses volcanism. Youwill
also determine the relationship among the locations of volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and mountain
ranges.

Furthermore,you will have a chance tofigure out what causes the formation of different geologic features
such as mountain ranges, volcanic arcs, trenches, mid-ocean ridges, and rift valleys.

Learning Competencies/Objectives

Content Standard :You should be able to demonstrate understanding of the relationship among the locations of
volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and mountain ranges.

Performance Standard: You should be able to suggest ways by which he/she can contribute to government
efforts in reducing damage due to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions
Describe

In this Material, you should be able to:

1. Describe the internal structure of the Earth

2. Describe and relate the distribution of active volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and major mountain belts to
Plate Tectonic Theory.
3. Describe the different types of plate boundaries.
4. Explain the different processes that occur along the plate boundaries.
5. Describe the possible causes of plate movement.
6. Enumerate the lines of evidence that support plate movement.

VALUES
 Understand that rejection should not stop the pursuit of knowledge
 Use science to prevent disasters
 Sustainability of the Earth

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Plate Tectonics
Have you ever felt the Earth move under your feet? Have you ever felt it tremble and shake? The Earth has
subterranean plates moving towards or away from each other. When plates collide, one can push the other
bellow it. When plates move apart, they create gaps. All these movements of plates give rise to the Earth’s
landmasses, once theorized as one continent, now drifting as seven separate continents.

The progress of the earth sciences and the advancement of technologies associated with the understanding of
our planet during the 1940s and 50s have led geologists to develop a new way of looking at the world and how
it works. This module covers topics on how plate dynamics affect the structure and topography of the Earth.

This module contains the following lessons:

Lesson 1- The Structure of the Earth 

Lesson 2- The Formation of the Continents 
Lesson 3- Earthquakes 
Lesson 4- Volcanoes

EXPLORE Your Understanding

As part of initial activities, you will be assessed on your understanding of the structure of the earth, movement
of the earth crust, earthquakes and volcanoes gained from elementary science.

Pre-Assessment:

I. Answer each item in your notebook. Do not write anything on this module. Take your time and show me what
you know!

1. The crust and upper mantle make up Earth’s __________.

a. lithosphere
b. asthenosphere
c. core
d. continents

2. What layer of Earth is labeled C?

a. crust
b. b. upper mantle
c. c. lower mantle
d. d. outer core

3. What layer of Earth’s is labeled A?

a. outer core
b. upper mantle
c. crust
d. inner core

4. .A tectonic plate consists of ____.

a. the oceanic and continental crust only
b. b. the crust and entire mantle
c. c. the asthenosphere only
d. d. the crust and uppermost mantle

5. Plates of the lithosphere float on the __________.

a. crust
b. b. asthenosphere
c. c. outer core
d. d. inner core

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6. The hypothesis that continents have slowly moved to their current locations is called __________.
a. continental drift
b. b. continental slope
c. c. magnetic reversal
d. d. convection currents

7. The core of the earth is composed primarily of __________

a. iron and sulfur
b. b. iron and nickel
c. c. nickel and silicon
d. d. silicon and oxygen

8. A tsunami is a __________
a. precursor to an earthquake
b. b. seismic sea waves
c. c. measure of the energy released by an earthquake
d. d. a portion of the oceanic crust.

9. The fastest type of seismic waves are ________

a. P waves
b. b. long waves
c. c. S waves
d. d. surface waves

10. Molten rock which does not reach the surface is called_________
a. volcanic ash
b. b. magma
c. c. basalt
d. d. lava

ACT

PROMPT MY BRAIN

Before you begin with the next part of this module, fill in the first two columns. Fill in the last column after
completing the module.

Plate Tectonics
What I know What I want to know What I learned
_____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________

You have just finished the first phase of this module.

As you proceed with the rest of the activities, always have this question in your mind, “What does
understanding of plate tectonics tell us?”

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VOCABULARY

Lithosphere - the rigid outer layer of the Earth consists of the crust and upper mantle.

Asthenosphere - the zone in the upper mantle and below the lithosphere, which contains
magma and involved in plate movement.

Seismic waves - energy waves within Earth that released when plates move.

Pangea -the super continent from where the present continents originated

Plate boundaries - the regions between the plates, which are classified as divergent or
transform boundaries

Pacific Ring of Fire/Ring of Fire - an area surrounding the Pacific Ocean that is susceptible to
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,and tsunamis.

Earthquake - natural ground vibrations that happen when the Earth releases energy
due to plate movement

Fault - a fracture on Earth’s crust as a result of plate movement

Orogenesis - the process of forming mountains and mountain ranges, involving

collision of plates and forces of compression

A Closer Look

What Can Diamonds Tell Us ABout the Inner Earth?

Photo taken from:https://www.livescience.com/44057-diamond-inclusions-mantle-water-earth.html

Take a closer look at the picture above.

Serendipity, struck a group of scientist who were out looking for a mineral. They chanced upon a seemingly
worthless battered diamond from Brazil, buying it from gem hunters for only $20. The scientist were looking
fro a mineral called ringwoodite,which froms under extreme heatand pressure, such as beneath the Earth’s
surface. They later found out that the piece of diamond did contain a trace of ringwoodite. This finding helped
confirm a theory that they had long been holding , but had no evidence until then to prove it.
What secrets does this piece of mineral hold?
Lets find out later in A Closer Look Expalained at the end of this chapter.
In this phase, varied learning experiences shall be introduced to help you understand plate tectonics and equip
you with skills and knowledge for you to be successful throughout the topic. This involves acquiring scientific
knowledge which is about accessing information focusing on plate tectonics

Lesson 1. The Structure of the Earth

Have you ever wondered what is under the ground? You leave your footprints in sand and soil. You touch the
soil and play with it. You get some soil samples and identify the substances present in the soil. But nobody has
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seen beyond the area where humans have conducted mining activities. However, man has invented instruments
to get information from the depths of the earth. One such information is on vibration. These vibrations have
been recorded and analyzed. Do you know that the earth’s interior is a layered structure composed of core,
mantle and crust? Table 1 summarizes the nature of the different layers inside Planet Earth.

If you have an internet connection you may watch a video on Layers of the Earth rap by Rhythm, Rhyme,
Results using the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9j1xGaxYzY

You may put your comments or reflections about the video below.
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Table 1. Layers of the Earth’s Interior and Their Characteristics

Layer Characteristics Chemical composition

Core Very hot

 Inner  Solid Iron and Nickel

 Outer  Liquid
Mantle Upper Layer is Fe, Mg, Si, O
partially molten
(asthenosphere)
Crust

 Oceanic  Solid basalt  Mostly O and Si,

less amount of P,
Al, Mn, Mg, Ca,
K, Na

 Continental  Crystalline rocks  Dominated by

like granite quartz (SiO2) and
feldspar (metal
poor silicates)

The Crust
The crust is the thinnest and the outermost layer of the Earth that extends from the surface to about 32
kilometers below.Underneath some mountains , the crust’s thickness extends to 72 kilometers. The Earth’s
crust , is subdivided into two regions: the continental crust and the oceanic crust.

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 The continental crust is mainly made up of silicon, oxygen, aluminum, calcium, sodium, and potassium.
The thickness of the continental crust is mostly 35-40 kilometers. Continental crust, found under land masses,
is made of less dense rocks such as granite. The oceanic crust is around 7-10 kilometers thick which its average
thickness is 8 kilometers. It is found under the ocean floor and is made of dense rocks such as basalt. The
oceanic crust is heavier than the continental crust. The crust consists of two layers. The upper layer is composed
of granite and is only found in the continental crust. Below the granite is a layer made mainly of basalt. This is
found on both under the continents and the oceans.

The Mantle

Beneath the crust is the mantle , which extends to about 2900 kilometers from the Earth’s surface. It makes
about 80% of the Earth’s total volume and about 68% of its total mass. The mantle is mainly made up of silicate
rocks, and contrary to common belief, is solid.

The attempt to study the Earth’s mantle extended as far as studying the rocks from volcanoes, simply
because they were formed in the mantle. Scientists also studied rocks from the ocean floor. They have
determined that the mantle is mostly made of the elements silicon, oxygen, iron and magnesium. The lower part
of the mantle consists of more iron than the upper part. This explains that the lower mantle is denser than the
upper portion. The temperature and the pressure increase with depth. The high temperature and pressure in the
mantle allows the solid rock to flow slowly.

The crust and the uppermost part of the mantle form a relatively cool, outermost rigid shell called
lithosphere and is about 50 to 100 kilometers thick. These lithospheric plates move relative to each other.
Beneath the lithosphere lies the soft, weak layer known as the asthenosphere, made of hot molten material. Its
temperature is about 300 – 800oC. The upper 150 kilometers of the asthenosphere has a temperature enough to
facilitate a small amount of melting, and make it capable to flow. This property of the asthenosphere facilitates
the movement of the lithospheric plates. The lithosphere, with the continents on top of it, is being carried by the
flowing asthenosphere.

The Core
The core is subdivided into two layers: the inner and the outer core. The outer core is 2900 kilometers
below the Earth’s surface. It is 2250 kilometers thick and is made up of iron and nickel. The temperature in the
outer core reaches up to 2000oC at this very high temperature, iron and nickel melt.
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 The outer core is mainly made up of iron and nickel moving around the solid inner core, creating Earth’s
magnetism. The inner core is made up of solid iron and nickel and has a radius of 1300 kilometers. Its
temperature reaches to about 5000oC.

The extreme temperature could have molten the iron and nickel but it is believed to have solidified as a
result of pressure freezing, which is common to liquids subjected under tremendous pressure.

What tells us that the inner core is made up of iron?

Aside from the fact that the Earth has a magnetic field and that it must be iron or other materials which are
magnetic in nature, the inner core must have a density that is about 14 times that of water. Average crustal rocks
with densities 2.8 times that of water could not have the density calculated for the core. So iron, which is three
times denser than crustal rocks, meets the required density.

Some clues that the inner core and the outer core are made up of iron include the following:
 Iron and nickel are both dense and magnetic.

  The overall density of the earth is much higher than the density of the rocks in the crust. This
suggests that the inside must be made up of something denser than rocks.

  Meteorite analysis have revealed that the most common type is chondrite. Chondrite contains iron,
silicon, magnesium and oxygen; some contains nickel. The whole earth and the meteorite roughly have the
same density, thus the Earth’s mantle rock and a meteorite minus its iron, have the same density.

Interphases mark the boundaries between the layers of the Earth.

 Mohorovičić discontinuity, also known as moho, isthe interphase between the crust and the mantle.
 The Gutenberg discontinuity marks the boundary between the mantle and the outer core.
 The Lehman discontinuity is located between the liquid outer core and the solid inner core.

Activity 3
Our Dynamic Earth
Objectives:
• Describe the properties of the layers of the Earth.
• Tell the composition of the layers of the Earth.

Procedure:
1. Label the drawing corresponding to the Earth’s layers.
2. Describe the different layers of the Earth using symbols.
3. Choose from the response grid on the right the symbol that you need to finish the figure on the left.
4. Draw the symbol/s in the corresponding layer of the Earth.

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Guide Questions: (Make sure to supply answers to the following questions.)
Q1. What element is the most abundant in the Earth’s crust?
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Q2. What elements make up most of the mantle?
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Q3. What is the special feature of the upper mantle?

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Q4. How did scientists come to know that the outer core is liquid?
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Q5. What materials make up the inner core?

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Q6. Is the inner core solid, liquid, or gas? What keeps it in this phase?
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Q7. Compare the inner core and the outer core.
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Activity 4

Inside the “Third Rock from the Sun”

Introduction
Reffered to as the “third rock from the sun,” Earth is the only planet so far known to support life. It is 70%
water and 30% land. But beneath what we see are layers of characteristically solid, molten , and semi-molten
rocks, magma, minerals, and elements. In this, activity, you will make a model of the inner layer of the Earth as
well as is discontinuities.
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Objectives
 Create a model that shows the inner layers of Earth and their relative thickness
 Characterize and compare the different layers of Earth
 Create a presentation about the layers of Earth
Estimated time
80 Minutes

Materials
 Modeling clay (4varied colors)
 2-3 pcs. short bond papers
 Drafting compass
 Shoe box
 A pair of scissors
 Scotch tape
 Digital Camera or Cell phone camera)
 Glue
 Book stand
 Pencil
 Transparent ruler

Procedure
1. Below are the approximate spans of the layers of the equitorial cross section of the Earth. Note
that, for the purpose of representation, this experiment assumes that the Earth is spherical. In
reality, it is oblate spheroid. Use the given data to measure and mark the thickness of the layers of
your model. Use a scale of 1 mm:100 km.

Layer of the Earth Thickness (km)

Crust 70

Mantle 2 900

Outer Core 2 300

Inner Core 1 200

2. Fold the paper crosswie along the center. Mark also the center of the paper.
3. Using the the compass and your marks, draw the equatorial cross section of the Earth from the
“center” mark on the paper.
4. Fill each layer of the Earth witha very thin layer of modeling clay. Use one color of clay for each
layer. In- between layers, insert a strip of paper to represent the MOho, Gutenber, and Lehman
discontinuities.
5. Using the edge of the transparent ruler,slightly make a crease along the folded line of the paper.
Fold the paper to come up with the two-dimensional model ofthe Earth.
Crust (Clay 1)

Mantle(Clay 2)

Outer Core(Clay 3)

Inner Core(Clay 4)

Fig. 1.1 Making the 2-D model of the Earth

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 6. Arrange the stage for yout Earth model. Turn the shoe box upside down. Usig the Scotch tape,
attatch the cover along one of the box ends, forming the letter L.
shoe box cover

Bottom of the shoe

box

Fig. 1.2 Position of the shoe box and cover

7. Glue the bond paper (with the model of the Earth) onto the stage. Set the upper part of the model
on the cover, and the lower part n the bottom of the shoe box.
8. Place the book stand behind the shoe box cover to support the stage.
9. Take a pictureof your model. Make sure that both sides of your model are seen in the picture.

Fig. 1.3 Supporting the stage with a book stand Fig. 1.4 Angle of sight fortaking a picture

10. Send a picture of your output to the classrom group chat make sure to put your name on the box for easy
identification.

Name:________________________________________ Date Perfomed:___________________________

Section:_______________________________________ Date Submitted:___________________________
Rating:__________________________________

Inside the “Third Rock from the Sun”

Data

LAYER OF THE EARTH Thickness (km) Scale (mm)

Crust 70

Mantle 2900

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 Outer Core 2300

Inner Core 1220

Conclusion
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Post Laboratory Quetions

1. Based on the information in the activity,
a)what is the approximate radius (in km) of Earth at the equator?
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b) what is the approximate diameter at the equator?
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2. Knowing that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, how would the diameter between the North Pole and the South
Pole compare to that along the equator?
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Lesson 2 The Formation of the Continents

The planet Earth might appear to be solid, steady and unchanging sphere of rock . The truth is, it is
constantly changing and undergoing minor and major changes both in its external and internal attributes.
Several theories were proposed to explain the changes in the surface characteristics of Earth, including the
formation of different land forms.

Get a map or a globe and try to locate the seven continents – Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North
America and South America, The seven continents are separated by the seven famous world’s oceans. You may
be wondering where and how the continents were formed. Let us do activity 5.

What you need : globe or map pair of scissors

` bond paper pencil paste
What to do

1. Draw the seven continents

2. Cut out your drawing of the seven continents
3. Place the continents of similar edges side by side to form a close fit.

Question: Which continents do you think were neighbors before?

_____________________________________________

Paste your formed puzzle at the box provided below.

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Here

One of the earliest theories about the changing geography and surface topography of Earth was the
contraction theory, which was proposed in the early years of the twentieth century. This theory suggested that
as the Earth cooled after its formation, its surface contracted and wrinkled. The wrinkles are now considered as
the mountain ranges. Furthermore, all the other features of Earth formed during one cooling event ad that the
planet was relatively static, changing little as the cooling (and wrinkling)slowed to a halt over million of years.
The contraction theory was superseded by the theory of continental drift,which was proposed by Alfred
Wegener in 1912. It asserted that there once existed a very large landmass, a super continent called Pangaea,
that later broke into smaller super-continents:Gondwana and Laurasia. These two super-continents further slit
into large landmasses, which we now know as our continents. Gondwana is composed of Africa, Antarctica,
South America, Australia, and the subcontinent of India. The northern super-continent, Laurasia, included Asia,
North America, and Europe. The continents move at about 15 millimeters per year.

Image taken from:

https://www.google.com.ph/search?
q=breaking+of+pangea+hd&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjOr4r3h
PrpAhUUDZQKHXQBAzcQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=breaking+of+pangea+hd&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQ
A1AAWABg7QpoAHAAeACAAQCIAQCSAQCYAQCqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWl
tZw&sclient=img&ei=gkjiXs7mA5Sa0AT0goy4Aw&bih=576&b
iw=1349&hl=en#imgrc=5hrJFjFO1pvJ2M

The continental drift theory was initially rejected by scientist because Wegener failed to explain the driving
force behind the movements of the continents.
In the 160, approximately 30 years after Wegener’s death, American geologist Harry Hess proposed the
seafloor spreading theory, which says that the seafloors or ocean floors, not the continents, move and only
carry the latter.
The theory of tectonic plates incorporates the continental drift theory and the seafloor spreading theory. For
the plate tectonics, the lithosphere is composed of many independent massive slabs of solid rocks called
PLATES. Plates under land masses are called continental plates. Plates under the ocean are called oceanic
plates.

At present, there are 15 major tectonic plates, which consist of seven primary plates and eight secondary
smaller plates. The primary plates are the Eurasian plate, the Australian plate, the Pacific Plate, The North
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American plate, The South American plate and the Antarctic Plate. The secondary plates are, Juan de Fuca
plate,Nazca plate, Cocos plate, Caribbean plate, Philippine plate, Arabian plate and Scotia plate.
Photo
taken
https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=continental+plates+hd&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjr-sHfz_npAhUVMKYKHXE8BSsQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=continental+plates+hd&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoGCAAQBxAeOggIABAHEAUQHjoECAAQQzoCCAA6CAgAEAgQBxAeULqOTljX-
from:
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PLATE BOUNDARIES AND INTERACTION

Tectonic plates can move between one and 10 centimeters per year, on top of the asthenosphere. Plates
move with respect to each other in three ways : they move together, move apart, or move past each other.

Studying plate boundaries is important because along these boundaries deformation of the lithosphere is
happening. These geologic events have a great impact not only on the environment but also on us. The regions
between plates are aptly called plate boundaries.

There are three distinct types of plate boundaries, which are differentiated by the type of movement they
exhibit. The first type of plate boundary is termed divergent boundary wherein plates move apart, creating a
zone of tension. Can you identify adjacent plates depicting divergent boundary on Figure 2?

Let’s take the case of the Philippine plate and the Eurasian plate. You will notice that the two plates are
moving toward each other. This is an example of a zone where plates collide, and this second type of plate
boundary is called convergent plate boundary.

The third type is the transform fault boundary where plates slide or grind past each other without diverging
or converging. The best example of this plate boundary is the San Andrea's fault which is bounded by the North
American plate and the Pacific plate.

Figure 2http://earthsci8.wikispaces.com/

Divergent Plate Boundary

Two plates that move away from each other create a gap or a rift between them. When the gap eventually
widens, it then evolves into a rift valley. Divergent boundaries between oceanic plates produce mid-oceanic
ridges, which refer to mountain ranges under water. In places where molten lava or magma move up and fill the
gap, volcanic islands are eventually formed. Molten lava that rises eventually cools ad forms part of the ocean
floor. This is called seafloor spreading or ocean floor spreading.

If there are two continent located on these plates, they are pulled apart. Eurasia and North America move
away from each other at a rate of 5 centimeters per year. As a result, the Atlantic Ocean is getting wider.

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 Any continent or landmass above a divergent plate boundary will be torn apart into distinct landmasses.
Surrounding waters will fill the space between them and later become an ocean. The Great East African Rift
Valley is an example of this phenomena. Millions of years from now, East Africa may be separated from each
other by an ocean.

Convergent Plate Boundary

Convergent boundaries occur where two plates slide towards each other and form either a subduction zone
if one plate moves underneath the other) or an orogenic belt (if teh two simply collide and compress). An
orogenic belt is a region of deformed rocks.

What happens at the boundary depends on the nature of colliding plates. There are three possible cases:
oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, and continental-continental convergence.

When two oceanic plates collide, as subduction zone isformed. The descending oceanic plate begins to melt upon
contact with the asthenosphere. The molten material begins to rise, creating a chain of volcanoes. An oceanic trench, a
long, narrow depression in the ocean floor, is also created at the subduction zone. The Mariana Trench in the western
Pacific Ocean originated from this type of convergence.

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 In the early afternoon of 11 March 2011, Japan was rocked by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake that caused widespread
damage to the country’s eastern coastal region. The earthquake was so powerful it moved Honshu, Japan’s largest
island, 2.4 metres east and shifted the Earth on its axis by an estimated 10 to 25 centimetres.
Activity 6 Science Patrol
The tsunami that followed devastated the coastal areas of Tohoku and southern Hokkaido and claimed the majority
of the 15 848 lives lost. Following the massive earthquake and tsunami, an accident at the Fukushima nuclear power
plant was reported as a potential Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In time, the International Nuclear
Event Scale was raised to Level 7, the highest level.

The Great East Japan Earthquake tested the ability and role of the newly-established Division of Health Security
and Emergencies in the Western Pacific Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO). From the start of the
disaster, and in collaboration with the Government of Japan, WHO used its global network to communicate and
coordinate information collection, public health risk assessments and provision of public health advice.
Article taken from: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/great-east-japan-earthquake

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 Although Japan is prone to earthquakes, it has kept its casualties, damages, and losses to a minimum. Make
a 3 paragraph essay on the specific measures taken by its government to minimize the impact of earthquakes on
their country. Also include on your esssay the answer to the ff. question. Is it possible for the Philippines to
adapt the measures made by Japan? Why?

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