A-Level Geography: Tectonic Processes and Hazards EQ3

Question 1

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

Why is the collection of information on tectonic disasters often incomplete or inaccurate?

Answer 1

• The immediate focus of a disaster is on response not data collection.
• There is no single organisation responsible for collecting data and methods vary.
• It’s difficult to gather data in remove areas.
• It depends on if primary/secondary death data is counted.

Question 2

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What are three diagnostic factors of mega-disasters?

Answer 2

• They are large-scale in terms of area involved and their economic and human impacts.
• They pose huge challenges particularly at the emergency stage.
• They usually require substantial amounts of international disaster aid.

Question 3

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What are some examples of tectonic mega disasters which have occurred in resent years?

Answer 3

• Icelandic volcanic eruption 2010.

- 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

Question 4

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What is meant by a multiple-hazard zone?

Answer 4

Multiple hazard zones (MHZs) are considered to be regions or parts of the world that are exposed to a range of hazards at the same time. These are often a combination of meteorological, climatic and geomorphic hazards.

Question 5

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What is a hydro-meteorological hazard?

Answer 5

Natural hazards caused by climate processes (e.g. droughts, floods, hurricanes and storms).

Question 6

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

How could hydro-meteorological events cause hazards on slopes weakened by earthquakes?

Answer 6

Hydro-meteorological events can encourage liquefaction and landslides on slopes weakened by earthquakes.

Question 7

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What is an example of a multiple-hazard zone?

Answer 7

The Philippines. The Philippines is vulnerable to volcanic activity as it’s situated on the Philippine and Eurasian destructive plate boundary on the ‘ring of fire’. Friction on this boundary and surrounding fault lines also causes earthquakes to occur. The Philippines also experiences monsoon seasons and this heavy rainfall in combination with earthquakes can cause landslides. With the Philippines backing onto the Pacific ocean the country also experiences on average 10 typhoons per year.

Question 8

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What signs do scientists use to predict if a volcano is going to erupt?

Answer 8

• Changes in gas emissions- Sulphur levels can be monitored and high levels means magma is near the surface.
• Earthquakes in the area- seismograph.
• Thermal imaging- Can detect heat changes indicating that magma is near the surface.
• Bulges/changes in shape indicating magma movement.
• Bore holes- scientists can drill down into the volcano and test the high of the water level.

Question 9

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What is meant by prediction?

Answer 9

Attempting to estimate the location, time, magnitude and intensity of an event. It is impossible to say precisely when an event will occur, however monitoring certain factors (e.g. gas output such as radon or Sulphur, seismic activity, geological changes and rock stress) can give an indication that an event is imminent.

Question 10

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What is the hazard management cycle?

Answer 10

The process by which governments and other organisations work to avoid/reduce loss of life or property, help those affected, and ensure rapid/effective recovery.

Question 11

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What are the aims of the hazard management cycles?

Answer 11

Hazard management aims to avoid or reduce loss of life or property, provide help to affected and to ensure rapid and effective recovery.

Question 12

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What is the response stage of the hazard management cycle?

Answer 12

Coping with the disaster - save lives, protect property, reduce economic loss (e.g. search and rescue, evacuation, restoring infrastructure)

Question 13

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What is the recovery stage of the hazard management cycle?

Answer 13

Rebuilding homes and services, restoring power and water supplies, reopening businesses and schools, repairing infrastructure.

Question 14

1.8 Theoretical frameworks can be used to understand the predication, impact and management of tectonic hazards.

What is the mitigation stage of the hazard management cycle?

Answer 14

Prevention of events or minimising effects - e.g. land-use planning and zoning, building codes, protective structures

Question 15

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

What are the actions that can be taken in the hazard management cycle?

Answer 15

• Mitigation: Zoning and land-use planning, enforcing/developing stricter building codes.
• Preparedness: Develop plans, early warning systems, evacuation routes, stockpile supplies, raise public awareness.
• Response: Search /rescue efforts, evacuations, restore critical infrastructure, ensure critical services continue.
• Recovery: Provide essential health/safety services, restore structures, provide food/shelter/finance.

Question 16

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, what can be modified/controlled?

Answer 16

We cannot control seismic activity. However, we can control the design of buildings (said to be the biggest killer during a natural disaster) through civil engineering using micro and macro methods.

Question 17

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, what is the primary approach utilised for earthquakes?

Answer 17

• Emphasis put into public buildings like hospitals, police stations and other vital infrastructure.
• Schools and factories strengthened to help shelter people.
• Improvements to the planning frameworks of private houses. Authorities insist on the strengthening or demolition of existing hazardous buildings through a retrofit programme.

Question 18

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, what is the primary approach utilised for tsunamis?

Answer 18

• Tsunami walls which work for a given amplitude and threshold of wave.
• Replanting coasts with mangroves and coastal forestry which dissipates energy from waves.

Question 19

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, how do mangroves help reduce the impact of tsunamis?

Answer 19

Mangrove forests reduce the impact of tsunamis by reducing both the height and the velocity of the incoming waves, and by distributing water among the canals and creeks of the mangroves, thus decreasing the level of inundation. Mangroves represent far more than just a ‘bio-shield’.

Question 20

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, what is the primary approach utilised for volcanoes?

Answer 20

• Diverting flows or chilling of lava flows (Heimaey 1973).

- Reinforce house roofs to withstand large deposits of ash.

Question 21

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, what is an example of diverting/chilling of lava flows?

Answer 21

1973 saw the island of Heimaey, off the coast of Iceland, threaten to destroy a whole community. As the lava flow was headed towards the fishing port (economic lifeline for the island), the Icelanders sprayed seawater on the lava to slow it by chilling. More than 30km of pipe pumped 6 million cubic metres of water on the flows.

Question 22

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, what are the advantages and disadvantages of land-use zoning?

Answer 22

• Advantage: Low cost and removes people from high-risk areas
• Disadvantage: Prevents economic development on some high-value land and requires strict, enforced planning rules.

Question 23

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, what are the advantages and disadvantages of resistant buildings?

Answer 23

• Advantages: Widely used tech can prevent collapse and protects both people and property.
• Disadvantage: High costs for large structures and older building/ low-income homes are rarely protected.

Question 24

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the event, what are the advantages and disadvantages of tsunami defences?

Answer 24

• Advantage: Dramatically reduces damage and provides a sense of security.
• Disadvantage: Can be over-topped, are very high cost and are ugly and restrict use at the coast.

Question 25

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

What are examples of structures to make a house “quake proof?”

Answer 25

1. Hollow concrete brick that causes minimal damage if broken.
2. Reinforced cement concrete roof to prevent collapse.
3. Stone foundations made from rubble to help stop liquefaction.
4. Reinforces steel corner pillars provide strength and flexibility.

Question 26

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

What are used to move people out of harms way on modifying vulnerability?

Answer 26

Prediction, warning and evacuation are used to move people.

Question 27

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

What happens if predictions are inaccurate? What is the “cry wolf syndrome?”

Answer 27

• There is a risk of ‘cry wolf syndrome’ where people no longer act on warnings.
• This is when predictions (and evacuation) prove to be wrong, so that people are less likely to believe the next prediction and warning and therefore fail to evacuate.

Question 28

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the vulnerability, what are the advantages and disadvantages of hi-tech scientific monitoring?

Answer 28

• Advantages: In most cases it is possible and warning and evacuation save lives.
• Disadvantages: It is costly so not all developing countries can afford to monitor volcanoes. Problem of ‘cry wolf syndrome’ and does not prevent property damage.

Question 29

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the vulnerability, what are the advantages and disadvantages of community preparedness?

Answer 29

• Advantages: Low cost and often implemented by NGOs and can save lives through small actions.
• Disadvantages: Does not prevent property damage and is harder to implement in isolated rural areas.

Question 30

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the vulnerability, what are the advantages and disadvantages of adaption?

Answer 30

• Advantages: Would save both lives and property through moving people out of harm’s way and relocating to a safe area.
• Disadvantages: High population densities prevent it and it disrupts people’s traditional homes and traditions.

Question 31

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the loss, what are the advantages and disadvantages of short-term aid?

Answer 31

• Advantages: Reduces the death toll by saving lives and keeping people alive until longer-term help arrives. Done by search and rescue followed by emergency food, water and shelter.
• Disadvantages: High costs, technical difficulties in isolated areas and emergency services are limited in poorly equipped and developing countries.

Question 32

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the loss, what are the advantages and disadvantages of long-term aid?

Answer 32

• Advantages: Reconstruction can build in resilience through land-use planning and better construction methods.
• Disadvantages: Very high costs and needs are quickly forgotten by the media after the initial disaster.

Question 33

1.9 Tectonic hazard impacts can be managed by a variety of mitigation and adaptation strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.

In terms of modifying the loss, what are the advantages and disadvantages of insurance?

Answer 33

• Advantages: Allows people to recover economically, by paying for reconstruction.
• Disadvantages: Does not save lives and few people in the developing world have/can afford insurance.