1.5 Hazards Profiles & Scales

Question 1

Which scales are used to measure earthquakes?

Answer 1

Moment magnitude scale (MMS)
Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMIS or Mercalli for short)
Richter Scale (replaced by MMS)

Question 2

Describe the Moment Magnitude Scale

Answer 2

Based on:
Energy released from the hypocentre compared to kg of tnt
Area of rupture
Displacement of plate
It’s an open ended logarithmic scale 
1-10 (could be more)

Question 3

Describe the Mercalli scale

Answer 3

Measuring the intensity using the amount of damage caused
Subjective and depends on how close to the epicentre you are
Geology can distort the finding as unconsolidated sediment (Haiti 2010) shakes more vigorously
I-XII (1-12)

Question 4

What scale is used to measure volcanic eruptions?

Answer 4

Volcano Explosivity Index VEI

Question 5

Describe the VEI

Answer 5

Logarithmic open ended Scale
Explosivity is calculated by:
Volume of tephra ejected
Height of ash cloud 
VEI > less frequent

Question 6

What are hazard profiles?

Answer 6

Hazard profiles are a way of comparing the physical processes and impacts of hazard

Question 7

What can hazard profiles display?

Answer 7

Intensity
Spatial extent
Duration
Speed of onset
Recovery rate
Death toll
Damage in USD

Question 8

What are the positives of using a hazard profile?

Answer 8

Quickly compare two hazards on basic information in an easily digestible way.

Question 9

What hazards should you compare?

Answer 9

Compare two of the same hazards in different areas because te effects will be similar therefore the areas will experience the same things making it easier to decide what the differentiating factors were which caused a more damaging event and reduce the vulnerability of this for next time. It can also show which area is more developed

Question 10

What are the drawbacks of hazard profiles?

Answer 10

They only show one type of hazard which is less useful in multi hazard zones like japan
Can be confusing if too many variables are explored.