2.9 Risk Management Flashcards
Volcanologist def
A scientist who studies volcanoes and their activities
Seismologist def
A scientist who studies earthquakes
What do volcanologists and seismologists use to reduce death and destruction caused by volcanoes and earthquakes
Monitoring, prediction, planning, protection
Ways to monitor volcanic eruptions
- changes in shape of ground and volcano using tiltmeters and gps satellites
- monitor earthquakes near magma chambers using seismometers
- monitoring ground surface and river temperatures using thermal heat sensors
- monitoring radon and sulphur gas using gas-trapping bottles
What does gps stand for
Global Positioning System
Are volcanic eruptions easier or harder to predict and why
Easier because they usually give advanced warning signals before erupting
How are people and buildings protected against volcanic eruptions
- buildings cannot be designed to completely protect against eruption impacts
- evacuation instructed by authorities
What do people plan before a volcanic eruption
- evacuation
- exclusion zones (areas where people aren’t allowed to go)
- education to know what to do
- first-aid training
How are signs of earthquakes monitored
More difficult to monitor that volcanoes, however, these can be monitored:
- foreshocks using seismometers and gps
- radon using radon detection devices
Seismometer def
an instrument that detects ground vibrations caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
Can earthquakes be predicted?
Not really, it is extremely difficult to
How do people protect themselves from earthquakes?
- building and transport infrastructure designs (eg foundations with rubber shock absorbers), but this is expensive
- sea walls in case of tsunamis
How are earthquakes planned for?
- practice drills
- preparing emergency supplies and location of evacuation centres
- securing objects/furniture
