Internal Structure of Earth & Plate Tectonics

Tectonic plates (or also referred to as lithospheric plates) are the cause of a several natural hazards. Those hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Peru sits on the west side of the South American Plate. It is right next to the Nazca Plate. [Tectonic Plate Map] 

The boundary between the two plates is convergent; meaning they move towards each other. The Nazca Plate is an oceanic plate and the South American Plate is continental so instead of colliding, the Nazca Plate sinks underneath the South American Plate (Keller 36). A result of this is the Peru-Chile Trench (Keller 38). According to the book, convergent boundaries cause "great earthquakes; explosive volcanic eruptions; tsunamis, flooding, mass wasting, and subsidence" (Keller 36).

Source: 

Keller, Edward A., et al. Natural Hazards, Earth's Processes as Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes. Fourth Edition. 20

Natural Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes

In order to do research on Peru and it's natural processes, it is important to understand the differences between a hazard, disaster, and catastrophe.

• A natural hazard is an event (i.e. flood, earthquake, etc) that is capable of causing harm to humans and/or damage to properties.
• A natural disaster is a natural hazard that occurred within a limited time in a certain area and at least one of the following was a result:
• More than 10 people were killed
• More than 100 people were affected/ injured
• A state of emergency was declared
• International assistance was needed
• A catastrophe is a major natural disaster that requires a lot of money and time (usually years) to recover.