Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Landslides

• Earthquakes - What is a Earthquake?


  An earthquake happens when two tectonic plates suddenly slip past one another, causing the Earth to shake.
• Earthquakes - What ecosystems do Earthquakes affect most?


  • Earthquakes affect ecosystems around and near the edges of tectonic plates most.
• Earthquakes - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Buildings, roads, and other infrastructures can collapse and disrupt natural habitats, destroying homes of plants and animals.
• Earthquakes - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • The course of rivers and streams can be altered which can change the habitat of aquatic plants and animals.
• Earthquakes - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • May cause flooding and landslides.
• Earthquake - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Soil loses its strength and begins to sink.
• Earthquakes - What are the Positive Effects on Ecosystems


  • Earthquakes for natural springs.
• Earthquakes - What are the Positive Effects on Ecosystems


  • Help scientists to monitor the inside of the Earth.
• Earthquakes - What are the Positive Effects on Ecosystems

  • Create hills, coastal terraces, and mountain ranges. 
• Volcanoes - What is a Volcano?


  • A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface through which lava, volcanic ash, and gasses escape.
• Volcanoes - What ecosystems do volcanoes affect most?

  • Volcanoes affect ecosystems where tectonic plates meet, called plate boundaries.
• Volcanoes - What ecosystems do volcanoes affect most?

  • 75% of the world’s active volcanoes circle the edges of the Ocean. This is called the Ring of Fire.
• Volcanoes - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • The heat and lava from an eruption destroys habitats and kills every living thing nearby.
• Volcanoes - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • May cause landslides in areas with high slopes.
• Volcanoes - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Hot lava sets fires to forests increasing the rate of deforestation.
• Volcanoes - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Clouds of ash can block sunlight which causes cooler temperatures and less plant growth
• Volcanoes - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Can cause earthquakes.
• Volcanoes - What are the Positive Effects on Ecosystems

  • When ash settles on the ground, it improves the fertility of the soil.
• Volcanoes - What are the Positive Effects on Ecosystems


  • Increases renewable energy from the geothermal energy volcanoes generate.
• Volcanoes - What are the Positive Effects on Ecosystems

  • When lava cools it forms steep slopes where mount dwelling animals build their nest high and away from predators.
• Landslides - What are Landslides?

  • Movements of earth down a slope. They can  be caused by human activity or by nature.
• Landslides - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Sediment and debris can harm streams and water bodies.
• Landslides - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Wipes out forest land, wildlife habitats, and rich soil on slopes.
• Landslides - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Due to soil being swept away, it takes a long time for plants to grow back.
• Landslides - What are the Negative Effects on Ecosystems?

  • Plants and Animals in path will die. 
• Landslides - What are the Positive Effects on Ecosystems

  • Fallen trees can provide firewood.
• Landslides - What are the Positive Effects on Ecosystems

  • New growth brings berries, wildlife that are attracted to those berries and medicinal plants.