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To what extent does plate tectonic theory help in understanding the development of landforms associated with plate movement? [20 marks] - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 5
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To what extent does plate tectonic theory help in understanding the development of landforms associated with plate movement? [20 marks]
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent does plate tectonic theory help in understanding the development of landforms associated with plate movement? [20 marks] - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
AO1 - Knowledge and understanding of plate tectonic theory
Answer
Plate tectonic theory provides critical insights into the Earth's structure and the internal energy sources that lead to the creation of various landforms. It explains tectonic plates' movements, including divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries, which are responsible for seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.
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Tectonic Plates: The movement of plates is initiated by convection currents in the mantle. For example, the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate are moving away from each other, creating mid-ocean ridges.
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Seismic and Volcanic Activity: Plate boundaries are often sites of earthquakes and volcanoes, as magma is generated at these interfaces, and pressure builds from friction, leading to tectonic activity.
Step 2
AO2 - Application of knowledge and understanding to assess the extent
Answer
To assess the extent to which plate tectonic theory accounts for landforms, consider the following:
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Ridge Push and Slab Pull: These mechanisms outline how tectonic processes such as ridge push create new oceanic crust which leads to features like mid-ocean ridges. The Andes mountain range was formed as a result of the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate, showcasing how plate interaction creates geological features.
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Hot Spots: Areas like the Hawaiian Islands illustrate the role of stationary hot spots within tectonic plate movement, where magma rises to create islands. This indicates that while plate movements create significant landforms, other factors like mantle plumes also play a role in landform development.
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Volcanic Arcs and Mountain Ranges: The characteristic volcanic arcs formed at converging boundaries provide key examples of how understanding plate tectonics helps explain specific landforms, such as the Japan Archipelago.
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Limitations: However, plate tectonic theory does have limitations, as it does not wholly account for all landform types, particularly those not directly linked to seismicity and volcanic activity. Environmental factors, erosion, and weathering also contribute significantly to landform development, suggesting a more integrated approach is necessary for a complete understanding.