Atmosphere
Name one gas found in the atmosphere.
Nitrogen / Oxygen / Carbon dioxide / Water vapour
Which two parts of the Earth make up the rigid outer layer?
The crust and the upper mantle.
What types of living things make up the biosphere?
Plants, animals, and humans.
Name two places where water is found on Earth.
Oceans / rivers / lakes / groundwater / glaciers / water vapour
What happens to warm air and cool air in the atmosphere?
Warm air rises and cool air sinks.
What name is given to the large pieces of Earth’s surface that move slowly over time?
Tectonic plates.
How do plants help stabilise the environment?
They stabilise soil and reduce erosion.
What is the name of the process where water moves through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation?
The water cycle
What atmospheric process leads to cloud formation and rainfall?
Water vapour condenses to form clouds, which can lead to rainfall.
What causes earthquakes to occur?
Pressure builds up as tectonic plates move, and when it is released, an earthquake occurs.
Why do animals and humans become vulnerable during natural hazards?
Because they rely on food, water, and safety, which can be disrupted by hazards.
How can water shape the Earth’s surface?
Through erosion and the movement of sediment.
How do interactions between pressure systems affect weather?
They can create extreme weather conditions.
What happens when magma rises to the Earth’s surface?
A volcanic eruption occurs.
How does deforestation increase the risk of landslides?
Removing tree roots reduces slope stability, making landslides more likely.
What causes flooding to occur?
When rivers overflow or when rainfall exceeds the soil’s ability to absorb water.
Describe one weather hazard caused by atmospheric processes and explain how it forms.
Cyclones – warm ocean water heats the air, creating intense low-pressure systems
Tornadoes – rotating columns of air intensify during severe thunderstorms
Heatwaves – high-pressure systems trap warm air for long periods
Droughts – long-term shifts in rainfall and circulation patterns
Describe one way the lithosphere can cause a natural hazard.
Earthquakes caused by plate movement
Volcanoes caused by magma reaching the surface
Landslides caused by gravity acting on loose rock or soil
Describe one way human activity in the biosphere can increase the risk of a natural hazard.
Deforestation increases landslide risk
Urbanisation increases flash flooding due to impermeable surfaces
Farming practices can degrade soil and increase drought vulnerability
Describe one water-related natural hazard and explain how it forms.
Floods – caused by excess rainfall or river overflow
Storm surge – strong winds and low pressure push seawater inland
Tsunamis – underwater disturbances displace large volumes of water