← All questionsGS1 · 2020 · Geography ·Circum-Pacific Ring of Fire
QUESTION 4
GS1
10 marks

Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Discuss the geophysical features of the Circum-Pacific zone.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Location: horseshoe around the Pacific, about 40,000 km≈30 words
  2. 2Plate boundaries: convergent (subduction), trenches (Mariana), island arcs (Japan, Philippines), fold mountains (Andes)≈30 words
  3. 3Activity: about 75% of active volcanoes and 90% of earthquakes; tsunamis≈30 words
  4. 4Examples: 2011 Tohoku, Krakatoa, Mt St Helens≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Location (map)Tectonic settingFeaturesExamplesConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • No map or no plate mechanism
  • Listing volcanoes without explaining why they occur

Draw this

  • Map of the Pacific with trenches and volcanoes

Value addition

  • DataAbout 90% of earthquakes and 75% of active volcanoes occur along the Ring of Fire.USGS / National Geographic
  • FactThe Mariana Trench's Challenger Deep (about 10,935 m) is the deepest point, formed by subduction of the Pacific Plate.NOAA

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