Seismic Hazard - 3.1.5.4

Question 1

Earthquake

Answer 1

A sudden release of energy in the earth’s crust is caused by the build-up of pressure.

Question 2

Focus

Answer 2

Where the earthquake started underneath the surface.

Question 3

Epicentre

Answer 3

The point on the ground is directly above the focus. The earthquake is the most destructive here.

Question 4

Seismometer

Answer 4

An instrument which measures shock waves of an earthquake.

Question 5

Benioff Zone

Answer 5

When earthquakes get progressively deeper with distance from the subduction zone.

Question 6

Richter Scale

Answer 6

A logarithmic scale is used to determine the strength (magnitude) of an earthquake.

Question 7

Mercalli Scale

Answer 7

A descriptive scale used to measure the intensity of earthquakes

Question 8

Primary effect

Answer 8

Something caused directly by the hazard and happens immediately.

Question 9

Secondary effect

Answer 9

Something caused indirectly by the hazard (due to the primary effects) and happens after the event.

Question 10

Secondary hazard

Answer 10

A hazard is caused by the primary hazard and happens after the event i.e… a tsunami is created by an earthquake.

Question 11

Fukushima

Answer 11

The name of the power station which overheated exploded and released radiation.

Question 12

Tsunami

Answer 12

A seismic sea wave is caused by the displacement of a large volume of water above or below the surface.

Question 13

Liquefaction

Answer 13

When soil or loose sediment loses its strength and stiffness by the shaking caused by earthquakes.

Question 14

Geology

Answer 14

The science of the rocks - which can have massive implications on the impacts of earthquakes.

Question 15

Landslide

Answer 15

The movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope.

Question 16

Cholera

Answer 16

An infectious disease carried in contaminated drinking water. It causes diarrhoea and was responsible for 7,000 deaths in Haiti.

Question 17

Retrofitting

Answer 17

To add reinforcement to buildings and infrastructure which it did not have when it was made

Question 18

Building regulations

Answer 18

Structures must meet strict guidelines set by the government to be declared earthquake-proof.

Question 19

Foreshocks

Answer 19

The movement plates make before a big earthquake. Can be used as a warning sign.

Question 20

Seismic Gap Theory

Answer 20

A way of calculating the probability of an earthquake is by measuring the recurrence period (times between big earthquakes).

Question 21

Radon Gas

Answer 21

A gas which escapes from the crust before an earthquake. Can be used as a warning sign.

Question 22

Earthquake Early Warning System

Answer 22

A device which detects an earthquake’s primary waves (fastest seismic wave) and alerts people that the more powerful and destructive secondary waves are on their way (60% slower).

Question 23

Tsunami Alarm

Answer 23

A device which alerts people by the coast that a tsunami is on its way.

Question 24

Earthquake-proof buildings.

Answer 24

Name of buildings in Japan which have met strict building regulations (i.e. deep foundations, reinforced steel and counterweights).

Question 25

P (primary) waves

Answer 25

The seismic waves released by an earthquake travel the fastest (8km/sec) and move via compression and dilation.

Question 26

S (secondary) waves

Answer 26

The seismic waves released by an earthquake which travel at 4km/sec and move side to side.

Question 27

Love and Rayleigh Waves

Answer 27

The seismic waves released by an earthquake are the most destructive. However, they are the slowest and travel at only 2km/sec.

Question 28

Disaster Preparedness Day

Answer 28

The annual event is held on the 1st of September in Japan. The emergency services and public practice for an earthquake.

Question 29

Disaster Response Volunteers Day

Answer 29

Similar to Disaster Preparedness Day but held on the 17th of January - where all volunteers practice for a disaster.

Question 30

Tsunami Readiness Day

Answer 30

Similar to Disaster Preparedness Day but held on the 5th of November (since 2012) - the public practice for a tsunami.

Question 31

Crowd Sourcing

Answer 31

People caught up in the disaster can upload their images/messages which can provide information to enhance relief operations.

Question 32

Crisis Mapping

Answer 32

Software which draws on crowdsourcing data and produces a map identifying areas which need the most support.

Question 33

Earthquake Survival Kit

Answer 33

The name of the bag which contains everything you need to stay alive after an earthquake. They are on sale in all MEDC countries prone to earthquakes.

Question 34

Emergency Aid

Answer 34

Name of the short-term aid which saves people’s lives (i.e. food, water, medicine, tents etc…).

Question 35

Mitigation

Answer 35

Reduce the severity of an event and lessen its impact. This can be done pre- and post-hazard.

Question 36

Prevention

Answer 36

Actions aimed at stopping the natural hazard from starting. Impossible for earthquakes - but can enforce no-build zones to prevent risk.

Question 37

Adaption

Answer 37

How people change their behaviour or surroundings to minimise the risks and maximise the benefits. For example - earthquake-proof buildings.

Question 38

Preparedness

Answer 38

What happens before the natural hazard to minimise risk and vulnerability For example - disaster prevention day.