1.5 Tectonic Hazard Profiles

Question 1

What is the Moment Magnitude Scale (MMS)

Answer 1

• logarithmic scale from 1-10
• 4 is a minor earthquake flat by humans
• measures energy released at the hypocentre

Question 2

What is the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale

Answer 2

• measures earthquake intensity
• goes from I to XII
• measures intensity as an impact to people and environment

Question 3

What is the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI)

Answer 3

• logarithmic scale 0-8
• measured using observations and equations
• considers height and volume of ejected material and duration

Question 4

What information is included on a hazard profile

Answer 4

• magnitude
• speed of onset (how quickly it happens)
• areal extent (how big an area does it cover)
• duration
• frequency (how quickly often)
• spatial predictability (pattern to where it happens)

Question 5

What are some advantages of hazard profiles

Answer 5

• compare different hazards
• same hazards with different processes (eg volcanoes at divergent/convergent boundaries)
• same hazards with different human vulnerabilities
• plan for future events

Question 6

What are some disadvantages of hazard profiles

Answer 6

• other factors may have a greater influence on the impact (eg development)
• focus on physical factors and not human
• multi-hazard zones not easily represented
• subjective