TOHOKU JAPAN - AC - MANAGEMENT

Question 1

INTRO VIDEO

Answer 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVX7rYdf654

Question 2

When did the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami occur?

Answer 2

 The earthquake occurred on 11th March 2011 at 14:46.
 The tsunami followed at 15:30.

Question 3

What type of plate boundary was involved in the Tohoku earthquake?

Answer 3

 It was a subduction zone.
 The Pacific plate was subducting under the North American Plate.
`Friction –> pressure–> quake

Question 4

What was Scale & magnitude & hazards

Answer 4

 The magnitude was 9 on the Richter scale.
 The epicentre was 70 KM East of Tohoku off the coast.
 The depth/focus was 24km.
 The hazards included 5 mins of shaking, a tsunami at 15:30, and liquefaction.

Question 5

What were the physical factors affecting the scale of impacts?

Answer 5

Coastal Location –> tsunami
Community built at mouth of river surrounded by steepsided forest hills –> funnelled tsunami

Question 6

social factors affecting quake

Answer 6

 There were significant population centres like Sendai.
 There was a near 100% literacy rate leading to a high level of disaster planning plans.
Culture - HIgh level of complainace & co-operation -

Question 7

economic factors affecting quake

Answer 7

 Japan is an AC with a high standard of living.
 Japan has the 4th largest world economy.

Question 8

poilitical factors affecting quake

Answer 8

 There was excellent planning, good infrastructure & services.
 There was enforcement of earthquake-resistant buildings.

Question 9

why do people live in Japan

Answer 9

 Perception of risk is low due to government safety measures.
 There are economic reasons like employment.
 There are opportunities for fishing & agriculture.
 There is a sense of community.
8. Flashcard 8

Question 10

How did they Modify Event

Answer 10

• Land-use zoning (construction in areas least likely affecetd)
• Construction of Sea walls, dikes and offshore breakers (tsunami protection)

Question 11

How did they Modify Vulnerability

Answer 11

• Rapid alert system designed to send SMS warnings  phones
• Automated system to shut down Nuclear Power station
• Building Design - strict building codes & aseismic design

Question 12

How did they Modify Losses

Answer 12

• Refined earthquake insurance system to provide meet earthquake related damages.
• Appraisal of response & impacts
• Improvement & Adaptation of policies

Question 13

HOw did AC ststus help?

Answer 13

Wealth = resources - preparedness
Economically resilient - Withstand $235 billion cost Technologically advanced
Culture of people