SCIENCE 8 – THIRD QUARTER REVIEWER
(Earth Science: Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes, Typhoons & Tropical Cyclones)
I. EARTH’S STRUCTURE & PLATE TECTONICS
1. Lithosphere
The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth composed of the crust and the uppermost mantle.
• It is broken into tectonic plates that move slowly over the softer asthenosphere.
• These movements cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.
Key idea: Plates move because the asthenosphere beneath them is semi-molten.
2. Continental vs. Oceanic Crust
• Continental crust is thicker but less dense
• Oceanic crust is thinner but denser
Because oceanic crust is denser, it usually sinks (subducts) beneath continental crust during collisions.
Remember: Denser crust sinks.
3. Plate Boundaries and Earthquakes
Earthquakes are common along plate boundaries because:
• Plates collide, pull apart, or slide past each other
• Stress builds up and is suddenly released as seismic waves
Earthquakes are not caused by volcanoes directly, but by plate movement.
4. Convergent Continental Plates
When two continental plates collide, neither sinks easily because both are light.
• The crust crumples upward forming mountain ranges (e.g., Himalayas).
II. VOLCANOES: TYPES & FEATURES
5. Why Volcanoes Form in Lines
Volcanoes usually form along plate boundaries because:
• Plate movement creates cracks and weak zones
• Magma rises through these weak points
6. Types of Volcanoes
a. Shield Volcano
• Built almost entirely from lava flows
• Broad, gently sloping
• Lava has low viscosity (flows easily)
• Example: Hawaiian volcanoes
Usually quiet, non-explosive eruptions
b. Composite (Stratovolcano)
• Made of alternating layers of lava and ash
• Steep sides
• Explosive eruptions
• Found near convergent plate boundaries
Dangerous because of pyroclastic flows and ash clouds
c. Cinder Cone
• Smallest and steep-sided
• Made of loose materials (ash, cinders)
• Short-lived eruptions
d. Lava Dome
• Forms when thick lava piles up near the vent
• Very steep sides
• Indicates high-viscosity magma
7. Calderas vs. Craters
• Crater: Small opening at the top of a volcano
• Caldera: Large depression formed when the magma chamber empties and collapses
Calderas form after massive eruptions.
8. Magma Composition & Eruption Style
• Low viscosity magma → quiet lava flows
• High viscosity magma → explosive eruptions
This is why volcanoes with similar shapes can erupt differently over time.
III. VOLCANIC ERUPTION TYPES
9. Hawaiian Eruption
• Quiet
• Lava flows
• Low viscosity magma
10. Strombolian Eruption
• Periodic explosions
• Lava fountains
• Moderate explosiveness
11. Vulcanian Eruption
• Short, violent explosions
• Thick magma
• Ash and rock fragments
12. Plinian Eruption
• Most destructive
• Tall ash columns reaching the stratosphere
• Threatens aviation and climate
13. Phreatic Eruption
• Steam-driven
• No lava
• Sudden and explosive
IV. TYPHOON SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS
14. Safety After a Typhoon
• Check for downed power lines
• Report hazards
• Avoid unsafe structures
Never rush into damaged buildings.
15. Importance of Evacuation
Families who evacuate early face less risk.
• Staying behind increases chances of injury or death.
16. Flood Risks
Crossing flooded streets is dangerous due to:
• Depth and speed of water
Even shallow floodwater can knock a person down.
17. Emergency Supplies
Stocking supplies is important because typhoons can:
• Disrupt power
• Cut off water and food access
18. Community Preparedness
The most effective risk-reduction strategy is:
• Clear evacuation routes
• Emergency shelters
• Communication plans
V. TROPICAL CYCLONES (TYPHOONS)
19. Conditions Needed for Formation
A tropical cyclone needs:
• Warm ocean water (≥ 26.5°C)
• Low wind shear
• Rising moist air
• Low pressure
20. Role of Warm Ocean Water
Warm water:
• Provides heat and moisture
• Fuels cloud formation and convection
21. Coriolis Effect
The Coriolis effect:
• Causes the cyclone to rotate
• Is weak near the equator → typhoons rarely form there
22. Why Typhoons Weaken
Typhoons weaken when:
• They move over land (loss of moisture + friction)
• They pass over cold ocean currents
• They encounter strong vertical wind shear
23. Wind Shear Effects
Strong vertical wind shear:
• Tilts the storm
• Disrupts structure
• Causes the system to weaken
24. Climate Change and Typhoons
Rising ocean surface temperatures:
• Increase typhoon intensity
• Provide more energy for storms
VI. KEY STUDY TIPS FOR STUDENTS
✔ Focus on CAUSE and EFFECT
✔ Understand why, not just what
✔ Compare quiet vs. explosive eruptions
✔ Memorize conditions for typhoon formation
✔ Always connect plate movement → volcanoes & earthquakes