6.Long Term Responses to Seismic Hazards

Question 1

Preparedness

Answer 1

Install earthquake warning systems to detect weaker waves which may be a sign, systems send out warnings

Education: Instructions on how to prepare by securing homes, appliances and heavy furniture also assembling ‘earthquake kits’. American Red Cross released a list of supplies people should have in case

Emergency services: Heavy lifting gear needs to be available and first aid training as it could be some time until emergency services arrive

Question 2

Adaptation

Answer 2

Hazard resistant structures: Putting large concrete weight on top of building which will move in opposite direction to force of earthquake which computer programming. Rubber shock absorbers

Fire prevention: Smart meters developed which can cut off gas if an earthquake of sufficient magnitude occurs eg Tokyo

Tsunami protection: Automated systems installed to give warnings, use bottoms pressure sensors which measure pressure of water column

Question 3

Prevention

Answer 3

Impossible to prevent but possible to prevent posing a risk
Insurance: In richer areas, people are urged to take insurance to cover their losses, very expensive eg Kobe earthquake 1995 only 7% covered by protection

Land use planning: Certain types of buildings should be put in areas of low risk such as schools and hospitals

Question 4

Prediction

Answer 4

Very difficult and not possible to predict precisely
Monitoring groundwater levels, release or radon gas and unusual animal behaviour

Close studies of fault lines can sometimes indicate the point along the fault where the next earthquake can occur and be due