Hazardous Earth - CASE STUDIES Flashcards
How far is Mount Ontake from Tokyo?
200 km west.
What is Mount Ontake used as now?
Tourist location
How has the economic structure of Japan benefited its exposure to large tectonic hazards?
Many people live within the larger cities of Japan, where they have better access to services and aren’t forced to live in coastal/mountainous areas.
Characteristics of Mount Ontake?
VEI = 3.
Composite.
Releases phreatic eruptions.
Driven by super-hot steam and ash.
Negatives brought to Japan caused by Mount Ontake…
Temporary loss of tourism.
Toxic gases released into the atmosphere.
Lawsuit filed against Japanese government for being unable to deliver a warning.
Positive social impact brought by Mount Ontake…
Increased incomes due to fertile soil, creating a positive multiplier effect.
What kind of volcano is Mount Merapi?
Composite volcano.
Characteristics of Mount Merapi…
Frequently erupts.
Eruptions have led to permanent loss of land due to lava flows.
VEI = 4.
Negatives brought by the eruptions of Mount Merapi…
Overcrowding of evacuation centres = increased risk of disease.
Lava flows buried farmland, leading to permanent loss of land.
Increased tensions between farmers and the government due to forced evacuations.
Why do people live in volcanically active areas?
Land benefits, because soil becomes fertile.
Tourism.
Development of geothermal energy.
Volcanic minerals is used within industrial processes (chemical production)
Location of 2011 Japan earthquake?
In the east coast of Japan, where destructive oceanic-oceanic plates meet.
Secondary impacts of the Japan earthquake…
500 mph TSUNAMI - ocean floor rose high and caused large shockwaves.
Tsunami waves were able to reach the locations of Antarctica and the coastlines of California and Oregon
Liquefaction.
The ground tore in half.
Social impacts of Japan earthquake…
16,000 lives lost and 6000 injured.
Mass graves to reduce the chance of infectious diseases spreading.
Communities had to be relocated from their home areas.
Many coastal schools were affected.
Economic impacts of Japan earthquake…
45,700 buildings destroyed along with 230,000 vehicles and 4 ports.
Many homes and businesses lost their power, because of nuclear plants that shut down.
Radioactive material is still found within the Pacific Ocean as a reactor core was damaged, greatly affecting the fishing industry.
Political impacts of Japan earthquake…
Increase in government debt, as
