Deck 5b - Tectonics: Nepal Earthquake Flashcards
What year was the Nepal earthquake?
2015
What hazards were caused by the Nepal earthquake?
Ground shaking, landslides
What type of plate boundary is Nepal on and which tectonic plates are involved?
Destructive plate boundary- Indian and Eurasian plates
Why is Nepal prone to earthquakes?
(FREQUENCY)
There is partial subduction of the Indian plate under the Eurasian plate, however this is limited due to the buoyance of the plates. The Himalayas formed as part of this collision and are continuing to grow in height. As the collision continues plates become stuck and pressure builds up. Earthquakes are commonly experienced as a release of this pressure with major tremors occurring approximately every 70 years.
What magnitude was the Nepal earthquake and what depth did it occur at?
(MAGNITUDE)
7.8 MMS, shallow focus (8km)
What was the duration of the Nepalese earthquake?
(DURATION)
The earthquake lasted approximately 50 seconds.
What signs were there before the Nepal earthquake occured?
(PREDICTABILITY)
The earthquake occurred with no warning.
What area did the Nepal earthquake impact?
(AREAL EXTENT)
Severely impacted 14 districts including the capital city Kathmandu.
What was the GNI of Nepal during the earthquake?
(ECONOMIC vulnerability)
$3,090 (Nepal is one of Asia’s poorest countries)
What was the level of technology available in Nepal during the earthquake?
(ECONOMIC vulnerability)
Limited technology and lack of maps of the area
How educated were the Nepalese population about the risks of earthquakes prior to the Nepal earthquake?
(SOCIO-ECONOMIC vulnerability)
Nepal’s education system is poor particularly in rural public schools. In 2015 there was a 60.4% enrolment rate.
What was the population structure of Nepal before the earthquake?
(SOCIAL vulnerability)
-Youthful population (32% under 15 years)
-High population density in the capital city of Kathmandu (1,179,000 in 2015)
What time and date did the Nepal earthquake take place?
(SOCIAL vulnerability)
11:56am on the 25th April 2015
What was the infrastructure like in rural areas and how did this impact on the risk posed by the Nepal earthquake?
Very poor infrastructure across Nepal particularly in rural areas which meant that it was very difficult to reach the areas and provide aid.
What is the Nepalese government view on earthquake management?
(POLTICAL vulnerability)
Unstable government which is partially blamed on weak democratic institutions whilst others blame it corruption and the historical marginalisation of ethnic groups (called low castes) and women.
