1.8 - Predicting And Managing Hazards

Question 1

Can you predict earthquakes - why/why not

Answer 1

• It is not possible to predict earthquakes
• An understanding of tectonic activity can help scientists identify areas most at risk
• Over 90% of earthquakes occur on or near plate boundaries
• Scientists are constantly researching ways to improve forecasting, such as the seismic gap theory (highlighting areas at high risk as they have not experienced an earthquake for some time)

Question 2

Can you predict volcanic eruptions - why/why not

Answer 2

• Can be predicted as there are multiple warning signs, such as:
• Magma rising which can be detected by heat sensors and satellites
• Changes in surface level as rising magma causes bulges
• Increased emissions of sulphur dioxide and other gases
• Increased seismic activity caused by magma movement detected by seismometers

Question 4

Can you predict tsunamis - why/why not

Answer 4

• Can be partly predicted
• An earthquake-induced tsunami cannot be predicted
• However, seismometers can tell an earthquake has occurred and locate it, then ocean monitoring equipment can detect tsunami in the open sea
• This information can be relayed to coastal areas, which can be evacuated

Question 5

What is the hazard management cycle and what does it consist of

Answer 5

• how the events of one hazard event inform planning and preparation for the next hazard event
• Response: Immediate help in the form of rescue to save lives and aid to keep people alive, emergency shelter, food and water
• Recovery: Rebuilding infrastructure and services, rehabilitating injured (physically and mentally) people and their lives
• Mitigation: Acting to reduce the scale of the next disaster: land-use zoning, hazard-resistant buildings and infrastructure
• Preparedness: Community education and resilience building including how to act before, during and after a disaster, prediction, warning and evacuation technology and systems

Question 6

What will impact the time taken for each stage of the hazard management cycle

Answer 6

• Level of development
• Magnitude of hazard
• Quality of governance
• Aid available

Question 7

Strengths and weaknesses of the hazard management cycle

Answer 7

Strengths:
- Cycle enables them to both prepare for and respond to hazardous events
- Identifies potential hazards
- Reduces risks and saves lives
- Improves level of preparation
Limitations:
- Some hazards are less predictable
- Implementation of strategies may face opposition from local communities

Question 8

What is the park model

Answer 8

Park’s model is also known as the disaster response curve and shows the impact of a hazard event on people’s quality of life over time
Measures economic activity and social stability against time

Question 9

Strengths and limitations of parks model

Answer 9

Strengths:
- It can be applied to a range of hazards
- The model can be used to assess risk and provide a framework for preparedness
- The level of economic activity and social stability are shown, which makes it easy to compare differences based on the level of development
- Useful to analyse the responses to a hazard event and the sequence of events

Limitations:
- It only shows the impact of a single event
- Quantitative data, such as the number of deaths and building destruction, is not shown
- Preventative measures are not shown
- The resources required may mean that smaller/less developed communities can not afford to implement it