Earthquakes Flashcards
What affects the severity of an earthquake?
The level on the Richter scale, the level of development, population density, communication, time of day and time of year
How do you assess a country?
It’s Gross Domestic Product (wealth), Human Development Index (development), average income, literacy rate and life expectancy
Definition of monitoring
Using scientific equipment to detect warning signs; heat changes, new gases in the atmosphere etc.
Definition of prediction
Using historical evidence and monitoring previous events to look for similar conditions to predict when/where a tectonic hazard may occur
Definition of protection
Designing buildings that will withstand tectonic hazards or aftershocks
Definition of planning
Identifying and avoiding places most at risk
How can monitoring prevent extra damage?
Seismicity; seismographs record earthquakes
Can you predict earthquakes?
No, it’s nearly impossible
How can you adapt buildings to earthquakes and aftershocks?
Shock absorbers to absorb ground shakings. Less likely to collapse. Less people injured. Less pressure on emergency services. Lower death rate. Quicker to rebuild economy
How can you adapt the city layout to counteract earthquakes?
Open areas for easy evacuation. More organisation with less panic. Easy emergency services access. Less injuries and non-preventable ones seen too. Less death. Quicker to rebuild homes/houses. Less homelessness
How do rolling weights on buildings counteract shockwaves?
Less twisting/swaying of the buildings. Less likely to collapse with no small injuries. Less death and less stress on emergency services. Economy is able to recover losses easily
How can you adapt buildings to stop smaller injuries?
Automatic shutters come down over windows to prevent broken glass falling. Less injuries/less to rebuild. More money for better materials. Less likely to fall out and cut people
How can you update the interior building maintenance?
Secure cupboards/bookshelves to walls. Bars on shelves. Flexible gas pipes. Stop switches for gas/electric supplies
How can you adapt older buildings?
Cross-brace the exterior but it’s expensive
