Grade 10 Geography Natural Systems and Processes – Earthquakes Notes

Specific learning outcomes

1. Examine causes of earthquakes on Earth.
2. Illustrate the distribution of earthquake zones in the world.
3. Investigate the effects of earthquakes on the environment.
4. Design disaster preparedness and management strategies for coping with effects of earthquakes.
5. Appreciate how understanding earthquakes helps disaster preparedness and management.

1. What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth caused by sudden release of energy in the crust. Energy moves as waves (seismic waves). Earthquakes range from tiny (not felt) to very large (causing severe damage).

2. Main causes of earthquakes

• Tectonic plate movement — Most earthquakes occur where plates interact:
  • Divergent boundaries (plates move apart) — small to moderate earthquakes (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge, East African Rift).
  • Convergent boundaries (plates collide) — powerful earthquakes, often with volcanoes (e.g., Himalayas, Ring of Fire around the Pacific).
  • Transform boundaries (plates slide past each other) — strong shallow earthquakes (e.g., San Andreas Fault).
• Volcanic activity — magma movements cause local earthquakes.
• Human activities — e.g., large reservoirs, mining, geothermal projects and some injection or extraction activities can induce earthquakes.
• Local geological faults — stored stress on faults can suddenly release, causing shaking.

Simple diagram: types of plate boundaries

3. Distribution of earthquake zones (world and Kenya)

Earthquake zones follow plate boundaries. The main global zones are:

• Pacific Ring of Fire — high activity around the Pacific Ocean.
• Alpine-Himalayan belt — from southern Europe through Turkey to the Himalayas.
• Mid-Atlantic Ridge — spreading center in the Atlantic Ocean.
• East African Rift System — runs through the Rift Valley, including western Kenya.

4. Effects of earthquakes on the environment and society

• Physical effects: ground shaking, surface ruptures, landslides, liquefaction (wet ground behaving like a liquid), tsunamis when offshore quakes occur.
• Environmental impacts: changes to river courses, damage to forests, soil erosion, contamination of water sources.
• Social and economic effects: building and infrastructure damage, injuries and loss of life, disruption to schools/business, cost of recovery, homelessness, and stress on health services.
• Local examples (Kenya): earthquakes related to the East African Rift may cause ground cracks, localized landslides in hilly areas and damage to poorly constructed buildings.

5. Disaster preparedness & management (design strategies)

Preparedness reduces loss. Strategies work at individual, community, school and national levels.

Before an earthquake

• Learn safe spots in home/school: under strong tables, away from windows, heavy shelves and tall furniture.
• Secure furniture (strap bookcases), store heavy items low, and bolt water heaters.
• Create an emergency plan and practice drills (Drop, Cover, Hold On). Have a family contact and meeting place.
• Prepare an emergency kit: water (3 days), non-perishable food, torch, radio, first-aid kit, whistle, copies of ID/documents, spare phone power bank.
• Know local evacuation routes and assembly points. Register with local authorities if special help is required.

During an earthquake

• If indoors: Drop to the ground, take Cover under a sturdy table, and Hold On until shaking stops. Stay away from windows and heavy objects.
• If outdoors: move to open space away from buildings, trees and power lines.
• If in a vehicle: stop safely, remain inside until shaking stops, avoid bridges and tunnels.

After an earthquake

• Check for injuries and provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless in danger.
• Check for gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring and fires. Turn off utilities if safe to do so and if trained.
• Be prepared for aftershocks — these can be strong. Use text messaging or social media to communicate (calls may fail).
• Follow guidance from local authorities (Kenya Red Cross, National Disaster Operation Centre, county disaster teams).
• Inspect buildings before re-entering. If unsafe, stay out until inspected by a professional.

Community & school level strategies

• Run regular earthquake drills in schools; make evacuation maps and mark safe assembly areas.
• Map local hazards (steep slopes, unstable buildings) and plan alternative routes.
• Promote enforcement of building codes and retrofitting of vulnerable structures.
• Train volunteer response teams in first aid and search-and-rescue basics and coordinate with county disaster units and Kenya Red Cross.

6. Why studying earthquakes matters (appreciation)

Understanding how and where earthquakes happen helps to reduce risk, inform safer building and land-use decisions, prepare effective response systems and save lives. For Kenya, knowledge about the East African Rift and local hazards helps communities prepare and adapt.

Key terms

Epicentre: point on the surface above the earthquake focus.   Focus (hypocentre): point inside Earth where earthquake starts.   Magnitude: energy released (e.g., Richter or moment magnitude).   Intensity: effects felt at a location (e.g., Mercalli scale).   Aftershock: smaller quake after main quake.

Suggested learning experiences (activities and assessments)

• Classroom demonstration: Build a simple seismograph — a hanging weight with a marker over a roll of paper. Tap the table to produce “seismic waves” and record differences.
• Map activity: Using an outline world map, plot recent earthquake epicentres (data from international sites) and mark major plate boundaries. Discuss patterns.
• Field visit or guest speaker: Invite a representative from county disaster unit, Kenya Red Cross or a geologist from a university to talk about local risks and response.
• School safety audit: In groups, inspect your school for earthquake risks (loose masonry, heavy shelves, evacuation routes). Produce a simple retrofitting plan and an evacuation map.
• Role-play/drill: Conduct a timed Drop-Cover-Hold drill; practise post-quake procedures (first aid, assembly, headcount, communication).
• Project: Design a public awareness poster for your community on how to prepare for and respond to earthquakes (include contact details for local disaster services).
• Assessment task linked to outcomes:
  1. Explain causes of earthquakes and describe the East African Rift's role in Kenya (Outcome a).
  2. Produce a labelled map showing major global earthquake zones and Kenya’s Rift (Outcome b).
  3. Investigate and report on environmental and social effects of a selected quake (Outcome c).
  4. Create a disaster preparedness plan for your household or school, including an emergency kit, evacuation route and responsibilities (Outcome d).
  5. Write a reflection (short paragraph) on how knowledge of earthquakes can reduce losses (Outcome e).

Safety checklist (quick)

• Know Drop-Cover-Hold On.
• Secure tall furniture and heavy objects.
• Have an emergency kit ready (3 days supply).
• Agree a family meeting point and emergency contacts.
• Practice school/community drills regularly.

Links and local resources (Kenya)

• Kenya Red Cross — disaster response and community training.
• County disaster management units — local coordination and information.
• Universities and geology departments — expertise and field visits.
• Global earthquake data sources (for classroom use): USGS, EMSC (use their public data for map plotting).

Teacher note: adapt activities to available resources. Emphasise practical drills and local examples (the Rift Valley). Use this content to meet the stated learning outcomes.