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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Tectonic Hazard Management Strategies
Tectonic hazards like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis can cause devastating impacts on communities around the world. However, humans have developed various strategies to reduce these impacts and save lives. How we manage these hazards depends on many factors including a country's wealth, technology and previous experiences with disasters.
Key Definitions:
Tectonic hazard management strategies can be grouped into three main categories, often called the "3 P's":
Strategies that focus on forecasting when and where a tectonic event might occur, giving people time to evacuate or prepare.
Physical measures that aim to reduce the impact of a tectonic event when it happens.
Planning and education that help communities respond effectively when a disaster strikes.
A country's level of economic development significantly influences how it manages tectonic hazards. Let's compare the approaches typically used in countries at different development levels:
Countries like Japan, USA and New Zealand can afford more expensive management strategies:
Countries like Nepal, Haiti and parts of Indonesia face more challenges:
Scientists use various methods to predict when and where tectonic events might occur, though exact prediction remains challenging.
Networks of seismometers detect ground movements that might indicate an impending earthquake or volcanic eruption. Japan's Early Warning System can give people up to 30 seconds notice before major shaking begins.
GPS and satellite technology measure tiny changes in ground level that might indicate magma movement beneath volcanoes or stress building along fault lines.
Small earthquakes (foreshocks), changes in groundwater levels, or unusual animal behaviour may sometimes precede major events, though these aren't always reliable indicators.
Physical measures can significantly reduce damage and casualties when tectonic events occur.
Engineers have developed various techniques to make buildings more resistant to earthquake shaking:
Buildings are constructed on rubber or spring foundations that absorb seismic waves, preventing them from travelling up through the structure.
Steel supports in an X-pattern strengthen buildings against lateral forces, helping them resist collapse during shaking.
Older buildings can be strengthened with additional supports, reinforced walls and flexible connections to improve their earthquake resistance.
Managing volcanic hazards often involves diverting dangerous flows away from populated areas:
Channels, barriers and even water cooling can be used to redirect lava flows away from towns and infrastructure. During the 1973 eruption on Heimaey, Iceland, seawater was sprayed onto advancing lava to cool and stop it from blocking the harbour.
Restricting development in high-risk areas near volcanoes can prevent casualties and property damage. Mount Vesuvius in Italy has a red zone where new building is restricted.
Being prepared for tectonic events can save lives even when prediction and protection measures fail.
Teaching people how to respond during an event (like "Drop, Cover, Hold" during earthquakes) and raising awareness about evacuation routes and emergency procedures.
Developing detailed response plans, establishing emergency shelters, stockpiling supplies and training emergency services to respond effectively.
Practising evacuation and emergency procedures regularly helps people respond automatically during the stress of a real event. Japan holds annual earthquake drills on 1 September.
Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes every year and has developed one of the world's most comprehensive hazard management systems:
During the 2011 Tohoku earthquake (magnitude 9.0), these measures saved thousands of lives despite the enormous power of the earthquake and tsunami. The death toll of approximately 20,000 would have been much higher without these strategies.
The 2015 Nepal earthquake (magnitude 7.8) shows the challenges faced by lower-income countries:
Following the earthquake, which killed nearly 9,000 people, Nepal has worked with international partners to improve its hazard management. This includes better building techniques, community training and improved emergency planning.
When assessing the effectiveness of tectonic hazard management strategies, consider:
Remember that while we cannot prevent tectonic hazards from occurring, effective management can significantly reduce their impact on communities and save lives.
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