Living with tectonic hazards and reducing the effects

Question 1

What is liquefaction?

Answer 1

When the ground loses strength during an earthquake.

Question 2

What opportunities do volcanic areas offer?

Answer 2

Fertile soils, geothermal energy, mineral extraction, raw materials and tourism.

Question 3

What is geothermal energy?

Answer 3

Power generated from the heat that volcanic areas produce under the ground.

Question 4

Which countries are famous for their geothermal energy?

Answer 4

New Zealand, Hawaii and Iceland (where it provides 70% of the total energy needs).

Question 5

Is geothermal energy a sustainable source?

Answer 5

Yes because it is renewable and ‘clean’. These power plants release less than 1% of the CO2 a normal plant would.

Question 6

Around how many people in the world live close to active volcanoes?

Answer 6

500 million people!

Question 7

What features attract tourists to volcanic areas?

Answer 7

The scenery, hot springs, mudbaths and geysers.

Question 8

Why do people think living next to volcanoes is worth the risk?

Answer 8

They believe advances in science and technology will make them safer. Volcanoes are carefully monitored and evacuated at the first signs of an eruption.

Question 9

Why is it important to make new buildings earthquake proof?

Answer 9

Advances in technology and engineering mean we are able to build stronger safer buildings that can save lives.

Question 10

What is retrofitting?

Answer 10

The addition of new technology to older buildings to make them safer in an earthquake.

Question 11

Why are earthquake proofing and retrofitting not as common in LEDC countries?

Answer 11

Many of the technologies and advanced engineering techniques are too expensive for LEDCs.

Question 12

What are the 9 most common earthquake proofing strategies used in large MEDC buildings?

Answer 12

Computer controlled roof weights, cross-bracing, automatic window shutters, reinforced concrete core, automatic sprinklers, deep foundations, rubber shock absorbers, base isolators and concrete reinforced with steel rods.

Question 13

What is appropriate technology?

Answer 13

Technology designed for the community it will be used in (e.g. not too expensive in LEDCs).

Question 14

What is a cheaper more suitable building material to use in LEDCs?

Answer 14

Bamboo. It is very strong yet flexible and bends easily. It has been proven to stand up well to earthquakes.

Question 15

Bamboo helps save valuable farming space in LEDCs. Why is this?

Answer 15

In Costa Rica 70 hectares of bamboo plantation will build 1000 houses. The same amount of timber would need 600 hectares.

Question 16

How do we know that Bamboo is a good earthquake proof building material?

Answer 16

When a strong earthquake hit Costa Rica in January 2009 all of the bambooo houses at the epicentre survived.

Question 17

What is the epicentre of an earthquake?

Answer 17

The point on the Earth’s surface directly above where the earthquake happened.

Question 18

Hollow bricks are another common contruction material in LEDCs. True or false?

Answer 18

True. They are designed to be lighter and cause less damage if they fall.

Question 19

What is preparedness?

Answer 19

If people are aware of what actions to take before, during and after an earthquake, then the number of casualties can be reduced.

Question 20

What are building codes?

Answer 20

Authorities set regulations which state how a building should be constructed in order for it to be safe.