Every Geography Case study! Flashcards
1
Q
Boxing day Tsunami
A
- Triggered by an Mw 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra on December 26, 2004.
- Resulted in over 230,000 deaths across 14 countries.
- Highlighted major inequalities in hazard response due to lack of an early warning system.
2
Q
2010 Haiti Earthquake Consequences
A
- 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince on January 12, 2010.
- Led to over 220,000 deaths and displaced 1.5 million people.
- Poor governance, poverty, and weak infrastructure exacerbated impacts.
3
Q
2008 Sichuan Earthquake
A
- 7.9 magnitude earthquake occurred on May 12, 2008, resulting in around 87,000 deaths.
- Many school buildings collapsed due to corruption and poor construction practices.
4
Q
2010 Eyjafjallajökull Eruption Significance
A
- Moderate volcanic eruption began on April 14, 2010, causing closure of most of Europe’s airspace for over a week.
- Led to cancellation of 107,000 flights.
- Estimated economic losses of $1.7 billion.
5
Q
2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Details
A
- 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck on March 11, 2011, triggering a tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster.
- Resulted in over 18,500 deaths.
- Approximately $360 billion in damages, making it the costliest natural disaster ever.
6
Q
Philippines Multiple Hazard Zone Challenges
A
- Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- Experiences around 20 typhoons a year and frequent earthquakes.
- Typhoon Haiyan struck on November 8, 2013, killing approximately 6,300 people and devastating Tacloban City.
7
Q
Isle of Purbeck Geological Structure
A
- Features both concordant and discordant coastlines.
- Formed by erosion of resistant limestone and softer clays at different rates.
8
Q
Holderness Coast Sediment Cell Concept
A
- Illustrates sediment transfer from eroding cliffs to Spurn Head spit.
- Highlights dynamic processes of coastal erosion and deposition.
9
Q
Aswan High Dam Nile Delta Impact
A
- Built in Egypt in 1970
- Reduced sediment supply to the Nile Delta by over 95%.
- Led to accelerated coastal erosion and retreat.
10
Q
Bangladesh Flooding Situation
A
- 80% of land lies on the floodplain of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system.
- Vulnerable to flooding, exacerbated by sea-level rise, subsidence, and monsoon rains.
- 35% of all mangroves have been deforested reducing water interception.
11
Q
Holderness Coast Hard Engineering Effects
A
- Hard engineering policies protect towns like Hornsea.
- Can lead to increased erosion in other areas, such as faster erosion at Cowden.
12
Q
Geology’s Influence on Coastal Features
A
- Determines rate of erosion and formation of different coastline types.
- Seen in the Isle of Purbeck with resistant limestone and softer clays.
13
Q
Localized Coastal Management Implications
A
- Can create conflicts, as seen in the Holderness Coast.
- Protective measures in one area can lead to increased erosion in adjacent areas.
14
Q
Holderness Coast Erosion Rate Significance
A
- Fastest eroding coastline in Europe, retreating at approximately 2 meters per year.
- Highlights vulnerability of soft boulder clay to wave action and longshore drift.
15
Q
Nile Delta Coastal Erosion Human Actions
A
- Construction of the Aswan High Dam disrupted sediment supply.
- Led to increased coastal erosion and changes in natural equilibrium.
16
Q
China’s Open Door Policy Impact
A
- Opened China to foreign direct investment through Special Economic Zones.
- Transformed it from an isolated economy to the world’s largest exporter.
- Triggered mass urbanization and significant economic growth.
17
Q
North Korea Globalization Situation
A
- Remains isolated by rejecting globalization.
- Characterized by strict censorship and minimal foreign direct investment.
- Results in severe poverty and underdevelopment compared to South Korea.
18
Q
China ‘Workshop of the World’ Meaning
A
- Refers to China’s rapid industrialization after the 1980s.
- Made it a global manufacturing hub.
- Lifted around 300 million people out of poverty but caused severe pollution.
19
Q
China Urbanization Manufacturing Shift
A
- Shift in manufacturing led to creation of massive urban areas like Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
- Driven by rapid industrialization and urban migration.
20
Q
India Outsourcing Industries Growth
A
- Growth of outsourcing industries, particularly in IT in Bangalore.
- Contributed to India’s emergence as a major economy.
- Increased urban inequality.
21
Q
Mumbai Migration Demographic Changes
A
- Mumbai has grown to over 22 million people.
- Primarily due to rural-urban migration and natural population increase.
- Significant challenges in housing and services.
22
Q
Dharavi Slum Conditions Mumbai
A
- Dharavi slum houses around 1 million people.
- Poor access to basic services.
- Informal economy dominates, with 85% of workers outside the formal sector.
23
Q
UAE Workforce Composition
A
- 90% of the UAE’s workforce are migrants.
- Primarily low-wage workers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
24
Q
Russian Oligarchs London Property Impact
A
- Invested heavily in London’s property market post-1990s.
- Led to an increase in housing prices.
25
Migration Economic Interdependence Effect
- Migration deepens economic interdependence between regions.
26
Asia Dietary Changes Health Concerns
- Dietary changes leading to growing health concerns.
- Issues like diabetes and heart disease.
27
Rio Paralympics 2016 Significance
- Promoted global awareness of disability rights.
- Challenged stereotypes.
- Expanded the Paralympic movement in emerging economies.
28
Globalization Cultural Impact Papua New Guinea
- Rapid cultural erosion among indigenous tribes.
- Loss of languages, traditional dress, and hunting practices.
29
China Dam-Building Mekong River Implications
- Threatens water supply in Vietnam and Cambodia.
- Risks political tensions over competing national interests.
30
China North Korea Censorship
- China operates the 'Great Firewall' to restrict access to foreign media.
- North Korea has total control over information with no free internet access.
31
UK Migration Controls Post-Brexit Changes
- Introduced a points-based immigration system.
32
First Nations Canada Challenges
- Over 600 recognized First Nations fight for cultural and land rights.
- Facing threats from globalization to traditional practices.
33
Totnes Transition Town Movement Significance
- Became the UK’s first Transition Town in 2006.
- Focused on local food, energy, and currency to reduce carbon footprints.
34
UK Recycling Rates Trend (2000-2020)
- Increased from around 11% in 2000 to approximately 45% by 2020.
- Due to local authorities and national campaigns promoting recycling.
35
Coca-Cola Criticisms India Africa
- Criticized for over-extraction of groundwater.
- Led to water scarcity for local farming communities and environmental degradation.
36
Plymouth Regeneration Efforts Focus
- Focused on redeveloping the waterfront and retail areas.
- Key projects like the Royal William Yard and Drake Circus Shopping Centre.
37
Salford Quays Transformation Manchester
- Transformed from former docks into MediaCityUK.
- Major hub for BBC and ITV, contributing to regeneration.
- £1 billion investment to rebrand and develop the area.
38
HS2 Purpose (High Speed Rail 2)
- Designed to create a new high-speed rail link from London to Birmingham.
- Aims to reduce regional inequality and stimulate regeneration in northern cities.
39
HS2 Criticisms
- Criticized for high costs exceeding £100 billion.
- Causing environmental disruption.
40
Cornwall Economy Diversification Efforts
- Focusing on rebranding through initiatives like the Eden Project.
- Moving beyond seasonal tourism and farming.
41
Cornwall Ongoing Issues
- Struggling with low wages.
- Reliance on public sector funding.
42
London 2012 Olympics East London Impact
- Catalyst for regenerating Stratford and the Lower Lea Valley.
- Resulted in creation of 8,000 new homes and thousands of jobs.
43
Olympic Park Regeneration Concerns
- Concerns over gentrification and inequality.
- Debates about effectiveness of legacy planning for long-term community benefits.
44
Rust Belt Deindustrialisation Effects
- Decline in manufacturing led to massive population loss.
- Resulted in unemployment, urban decay, high crime rates, and reduced public services.
45
British Empire Definition at Height
- Controlled 24% of the world's land area.
- 20% of the global population.
46
British Empire Control Methods
- Utilized hard power, such as military force.
- Soft power, including education and legal systems.
47
Colonialism Global Power Structures Influence
- Shaped modern global power structures.
- Established historical patterns of dominance and control.
48
Bipolar World Order Post-WWII
- Divided the globe into two main spheres: capitalist (USA) and communist (USSR).
- Characterized by military alliances and ideological competition.
49
Cold War Military Alliances Dynamics
- NATO and the Warsaw Pact maintained the bipolar world order.
- Provided collective security and support for respective ideologies.
50
Cold War Proxy Wars Role
- Conflicts where superpowers supported opposing sides.
- Extended influence without direct military confrontation.
51
BRICS Global Economy Significance
- Comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- Accounts for over 40% of the world's population and around 25% of global GDP.
52
China Economic Growth Global Position
- Positioned as a key challenger to US hegemony.
- Contributed to a more multipolar global system.
53
USA Military Spending Global Implications
- Spends around $800 billion annually on its military.
- Accounts for about 39% of global military spending.
54
Belt and Road Initiative Impacts
- Aims to extend Chinese influence through infrastructure investment.
- Raises concerns about debt diplomacy and global dependency on China.
55
South China Sea Tensions
- Intensified by China's island-building program.
- Involves territorial disputes with neighboring countries.
56
Russia Crimea Actions Implications
- Heightened tensions in international relations.
- Raised concerns about territorial integrity and violation of international law.
57
Russia Crimea Annexation Reasons
- Cited protection of Russian-speaking populations.
58
Russia Crimea Annexation Consequences
- Led to international sanctions.
- Heightened tensions with NATO and the EU.
59
Hard Power Definition Russia Actions
- Use of force or coercion to achieve political goals.
- Exemplified by Russia's annexation of Crimea.
60
Melting Arctic Ice Geopolitical Dynamics
- Opened new shipping routes and access to oil and gas reserves.
- Led to competition among countries for overlapping territories.
61
Arctic Resource Competition Implications
- Risks new geopolitical tensions among countries claiming overlapping territories.
62
2004 EU Enlargement Migration Impact
- Triggered mass migration, particularly to the UK.
- About 1 million Eastern Europeans arrived by 2010.
- 10 new countries joined the EU.
63
UK Mass Migration Cultural Effects
- Increased cultural diversity in the UK.
- Sparked debates over identity and resource pressure.
64
Postcolonial UK Migration
- Significant migration from former colonies after WWII.
- Includes countries like India, Pakistan, and Jamaica.
65
Brexit Impacts
- Marked a major shift in UK-EU relations, leading to the UK's exit from the EU on January 31, 2020 following the 2016 referendum.
- Reflected concerns about national sovereignty and cultural identity.
- Triggered political changes within the UK, including the rise of nationalist sentiments and challenges to the unity of the United Kingdom.
66
Migration Former Colonies British Identity Role
- Shaped modern British identity as increasingly diverse.
- Contributed to multiculturalism.
67
Illegal Migration USA Political Implications
- Led to political tensions and calls for stronger border control.
- Exemplified by initiatives like Trump's Wall.
- Over 11 million undocumented migrants are estimated to be living in the USA.
68
Schengen Agreement Overview
- Allows free movement of people and labour between 26 European countries.
- Signed in 1985.
69
Schengen Agreement 2015 Migrant Crisis Effects
- Boosted intra-European migration.
- Faced strain during the 2015 migrant crisis, leading to temporary border controls.
70
Tax Havens National Governments Impact
- Offer low or no tax to wealthy individuals and corporations.
- Lead to loss of tax revenue for national governments.
71
Panama Papers 2016 Revelations
- Exposed the scale of offshore wealth.
- Highlighted the use of tax havens.
- 140 politicians and public officials from around the world were found to have offshore holdings.
72
Crimea Ukraine Border Conflict
- Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 challenged Ukraine's sovereignty.
- Led to armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
73
Amazon Rainforest Water Cycle Role
- Recycles about 50% of its rainfall through evapotranspiration, contributing to local and global precipitation patterns.
- Acts as a critical regional and global water sink, helping to regulate climate and maintain biodiversity, with an estimated 20% of the world's oxygen produced by the Amazon.
- Supports various ecosystems by providing moisture to surrounding areas, with approximately 1.5 million square miles of forest area.
74
Deforestation Amazon Water Cycle Impact
- Deforestation has reduced evapotranspiration by 30%, leading to a 20% decrease in regional rainfall.
- The Amazon contributes about 15% of the world's freshwater.
- Loss of forest cover can increase surface temperatures by 50%, worsening climate change.
75
Aral Sea Human Disruption Consequences
- Shrunk by 90% since the 1960s due to diversion of rivers for irrigation.
- Resulted in the loss of over 60 fish species and severe ecosystem collapse.
- Increased salinity levels have led to health issues for local populations, including respiratory diseases.
76
China Mekong River Damming Implications
- Threatens downstream nations like Cambodia and Vietnam.
- Reduces water available for agriculture and fisheries.
77
Amazon Rainforest Carbon Cycle Significance
- Holds about 17% of the world’s terrestrial carbon stock.
- Deforestation releases significant amounts of CO₂.
78
Transboundary Water Conflict
- The Mekong River conflict, where China's damming affects water availability for downstream nations.
## Footnote
Relied on by people in China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.
79
Climate Change Colorado River Flow Effects
- Reducing river flows in the Colorado River Basin by approximately 20% by 2050.
- Increasing the risk of water shortages for over 40 million people who rely on the river.
- Projected temperature increases of 2-4°C could exacerbate these effects.
80
Paris Climate Agreement Climate Change Address
- Aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C.
- Requires countries to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years.
- Provides financial assistance to developing countries for climate action.
81
North Sea Oil Gas Output UK Energy Security
- Peaked in the late 1990s.
- Increasing reliance on imports raises energy security concerns.
82
Methane Thawing Permafrost Climate Change Role
- Acts as a potent greenhouse gas.
- Accelerates global warming and destabilizes climate systems.
83
Paris Climate Agreement
- First legally binding global climate agreement adopted on December 12, 2015, at COP21 in Paris.
- Aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
- Involves both developed and developing nations with each setting its own emissions reduction targets.
84
Tar Sands, Alberta, Canada
- Significant environmental impacts, including high CO₂ emissions.
- Destruction of landscapes and pollution of water resources.
