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F4: Earth Structure and Global Tectonics

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is the internal structure of the Earth and how do we know it?

The compositional and mechanical layering of the Earth (crust, mantle, outer and inner core; lithosphere and asthenosphere) and the seismic evidence (P and S wave behaviour, shadow zones, discontinuities) used to deduce it.
A focused answer to WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology F4 on Earth structure, covering the compositional layers (crust, mantle, outer and inner core) and mechanical layers (lithosphere and asthenosphere), and the seismic evidence (P and S wave behaviour, shadow zones and discontinuities) that reveals them.
13 min answer →

What happens at the three types of plate boundary?

The three types of plate boundary (constructive, destructive and conservative), the processes and features at each, and the driving forces of plate motion (mantle convection, ridge push and slab pull).
A focused answer to WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology F4 on plate boundaries, covering constructive, destructive and conservative margins, the processes and landforms at each (ridges, subduction zones, ocean trenches, volcanic arcs, fold mountains, transform faults), and the driving forces of plate motion.
13 min answer →

What evidence supports plate tectonic theory and how did it develop from continental drift?

The development of plate tectonic theory from continental drift, and the evidence for it (continental fit, matching geology and fossils, palaeoclimate, sea-floor spreading and palaeomagnetic stripes).
A focused answer to WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Geology F4 on plate tectonic theory, covering the development from continental drift, and the evidence (continental fit, matching geology and fossils, palaeoclimate, sea-floor spreading and the symmetry of palaeomagnetic stripes) that confirmed it.
13 min answer →