Ch 1.5 What destruction do tectonic hazard cause? How can we deal with it?

Question 1

What are the monitoring and warning systems for earthquakes?

Answer 1

Use seismographs and satellites to monitor earthquakes and give time for evacuation.

Question 2

What are the monitoring and warning systems for volcanic eruptions?

Answer 2

1. Use instruments to detect volcanic activities.
2. Study the history and geological structure of the volcano.
3. Observation of abnormal rising and sinking of groundwater level or tilting and swelling of volcanoes.

Question 3

What are the monitoring and warning systems for tsunamis?

Answer 3

1. Use tsunami buoys and ocean-bottom tsunami gauges to monitor tsunamis.
2. Set up warning system and warning centre.

Question 4

What are the hazard proof structures for earthquakes?

Answer 4

Erect building structures with earthquake-proof designs. e.g. Taiwan 101 Tower, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco.

Question 5

What are the hazard proof structures for volcanic eruptions?

Answer 5

1. Build barriers to slow down lava flows.
2. Build lava direction channels to divert the flow.
3. Build roofs with strong structures and steep sloping slides can help shed ash.

Question 6

What are the hazard proof structures for tsunamis?

Answer 6

1. Reinforce coastal structures.
2. Provide vertical evacuation routes for coastal structures.
3. Construct breakwater, sea walls or coastal levees along the shore

Question 7

What are the land-use plannings for earthquakes?

Answer 7

1. Avoid building facilities with potential dangers like nuclear plants.
2. Govern the height and structures of buildings.
3. Establish evacuation routes with adequate road signs, safety evacuation areas and shelter centres.

Question 8

What are the land-use plannings for volcanic eruptions?

Answer 8

1. Prepare volcanic hazard-zone maps.
2. Prepare emergency evacuation according to the risk.
3. Avoid building important structures on the evacuation routes.

Question 9

What are the land-use plannings for tsunamis?

Answer 9

1. Encourage people to move from coastal area to higher ground.
2. Design a coastal belt for beaches or woodland reserves.
3. Build evacuation routes leading to higher ground.

Question 10

How can education and drills help to prevent the tectonic hazards?

Answer 10

To raise the awareness of people about tectonic hazards. Carry out disaster drills periodically. Educate the public about evacuation routes

Question 11

What are the other measures that can prevent tectonic hazards?

Answer 11

1. Have well trained and well-equipped rescue teams.
2. Have disaster aid and insurance.

Question 12

What are the limitations of having monitoring and warning systems?

Answer 12

it depends on the inputs of capital and technology. People in poor countries especially in those in rural areas may not have access to radio to get a warning before hand.

Question 13

What are the limitations of having hazard proof structures?

Answer 13

It depends on the inputs of capital and technology. Enforcement of building laws is difficult in countries where corruption is common.

Question 14

What are the limitations of having land use planning?

Answer 14

It depends on the accuracy of the identification of high risk areas.

Question 15

What are the limitations of having education and drills?

Answer 15

It depends on how well people get prepared before hazards, and to protect themselves during and after the hazards. People intend to forget unhappy experiences or hazards that happen long time ago.

Question 16

What are the limitations of having rescue teams?

Answer 16

It depends on the communication systems, government or rescue management and even political barriers.