hazerdous_earth_2_0_2025_05_22_071653 Flashcards

(316 cards)

1
Q

What are the 3 layers of the Earth?

A

bcdefCrustMantleCore (inner and outer)

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2
Q

What separates the crust and the mantle?

A

Moho

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3
Q

What 2 layers does the upper mantle consist of?

A

Lithosphere (semi-core)Varies in thicknessBoundary with asthenosphere difficult to define (melts and becomes incorporated in asthenosphere)Asthenosphere around 200km thickSemi-molten/viscous - Allows rock to move due to high pressure in mantle.Flowing slowly

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4
Q

What are continental and oceanic plates made up of?

A

bcdefLithosphere and crust

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5
Q

Where do convection currents exist?What do these do?

A

bcdefAsthenosphereCaused by vast amounts of heat generated in mantle.Semi-molten asthenosphere flows carrying with it the solid lithosphere and crust.

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6
Q

What are the properties of the continental crust?

A

bcdefThickness:35km average (Density:2.6-2.7Mineral composition:Mainly granitic, silicon, aluminium

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7
Q

What are the properties of the oceanic crust?

A

bcdefThickness:5-10kmDensity:3.0 kg/m³Mineral composition:Mainly basaltic, silicon and magnesium

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8
Q

What are the properties of the mantle?

A

bcdefThickness:To a depth of 2900km Density:
2850 kg/m3 density of lithosphere
3300 kg/m3 density of aesthonsphere Mineral composition:Rich in magnesium and iron

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9
Q

Explain the movement of the crust caused by convection currents in the mantle.

A

bcdefHot rock rises from lower to upper asthenosphere.Hot rock spreads and cools, pushing plates apart.Cool rock sinks back down towards core.As (oceanic) plate subducts at ocean trenches, gravity pulls it under (slab pull).Rising mantle pushes crust upwards at mid-ocean trenches, while gravity pulls it back down (ridge push).

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10
Q

What was Alfred Wegener’s big idea?

A

bcdef250 million years (Carboniferous period), all the Earth’s continents fit together (Pangea).Over time, continents have moved apart through continental drift.
Whose idea is this?

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11
Q

bcdef250 million years (Carboniferous period), all the Earth’s continents fit together (Pangea).Over time, continents have moved apart through continental drift.
Whose idea is this?

A

What was Alfred Wegener’s big idea?

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12
Q

Explain 3 pieces of (Wegener’s) geological (rocks) evidence for continental drift.

A

Mountain chains and rock sequences on opposite sides of oceans show close similarities (e.g. northeast Canada and northern Scotland).- These mountains are likely to have been created together and then split apart as the continents moved. Continents seem to fit together (particularly South America and Africa).- Suggests that continents once fit all together and continental drift has separated them.- (Erosion wouldn’t’ve made them this shape).Evidence of glaciations 290 million years ago in southern Africa, Australia, South America, India and Antarctica.- Suggests these land masses were joined during this time, located close to the South Pole.- (India has a tropical climate now, and due to it’s current location it wouldn’t have been glaciated in an ice age. - Suggests India was one at a higher latitude further from the equator).

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13
Q

Explain 3 pieces of (Wegener’s) biological (living) evidence for continental drift.

A

bcdefSimilar fossils of marine shellfish (e.g. brachiopods) were found in Australian and Indian limestones.- Brachiopods are small shellfish that would be unlikely to cross open stretches of ocean between Australia and India. - Suggests India and Australia were once much closer together meaning the brachiopods have been separated by continents moving apart.Similar reptile fossils found in South American and South Africa. fossils of the reptiles Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile only one meter (3.3 feet) long, could not have swum the Atlantic Ocean.this suggests a single habitat and therefore the plates originally being connectedThey are unlikely to have evolved the same in separate areas. *Fossil from rocks younger than Carboniferous period show fewer similarities between animal, suggesting they followed different evolutionary paths.- These animals originally evolved together (during carboniferous period). - Once the continents split the animals were separated. - They evolved as their environments changed, becoming more different.

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14
Q

What is paleomagnetism?

A

Changes in the Earth’s polarity.Occurs every 400,000-500,000 years

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15
Q

Explain why there are different bands of rock on the ocean floor. (Paleomagnetism)Describe the locations of the different bands of rock (old and new rocks).
shows sea floor spreading

A

It has been found that there are very small variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.These can be explained by changes in the Earth’s polarity. Oceanic crust and the ocean floor is made up of igneous rock which originated from lava flows and contains iron particles. As lava erupts and cools, the magnetic orientation of iron particles is locked into rock, depending on the Earth’s polarity at the time. Different bands of rock on the ocean floor have been found which are explained by the changes in the Earth’s magnetic polarity - rock changes direction and type with each change of polarity. Oldest rock would be located furthest from the point it is created (nearer land).
The width of each strip of ocean bed with the same magnetic orientation was found to correspond to the time scale of each magnetic reversal.Because new rock is being created from the centre point which forces older rock outwards (towards land).

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16
Q

What is sea-floor spreading?

A

bcdefLateral movement of new oceanic crust away from a mid-ocean ridge (constructive plate boundary).

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17
Q

Explain the process of sea-floor spreading.(Link to paleomagnetism)

A

bcdefWidth of each strip of the ocean bed with the same magnetic orientation corresponded with the age of time scale of the magnetic reversals.Indicates that, as fresh molten rock from asthenosphere reaches ocean bed, ‘older’ rock is pushed away from the mid-ocean ridge.Sea-floor spreading moves material across ocean floors.Eventually, the sea floor reaches an ocean trench where material is subjected into the asthenosphere and becomes semi-molten (caused by convection currents).

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18
Q

What is the evidence for sea-floor spreading?

A

bcdefNewest rock is found in the middle (at mid-ocean ridge), therefore new rock is being created here.Rocks are not the same age as the earth (4.5 billion years) meaning oldest rock is being destroyed and replaced by newer rocks.

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19
Q

Global patterns of plate boundaries

A

bcdefEarthquakes are concentrated in narrow bands at plate boundaries (rigid lithosphere and crust broken up into tectonic plates that are moving).

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20
Q

What are the 3 types of plate boundary?

A

bcdefDivergent (constructive)Convergent (destructive)Conservative

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21
Q

Example of divergent (constructive) plate boundaries

A

bcdefIceland (Eurasion and North American plate)Mid-atlantic ridge (South American and African plate)Great African rift valley (African plate)

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22
Q

What happens at divergent plate boundaries?

A

bcdefPlates move apart. Convection currents rise and spread apart.New crust is created.

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23
Q

Describe the movement of tectonic plates at a divergent boundary

A

Hot rock rises, cools and spreads.Convection currents push plates apart.Gap releases pressure.Mantle rocks can melt, forming magma.Magma erupts effusively.New crust is created (basic lava - basaltic).Ridge created.Ridge push accelerates plate movement.

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24
Q

How is magma formed at divergent boundaries?

A

bcdefAsthenosphere (semi-molten rock) rises, pressure decreases towards crust so rock melts.Plates moving apart creates a gap that relieves the pressure (less pressure).

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25
Features of lava at *divergent* boundaries
bcdefType: *Basalt* (runny)Acidic/basic: *Basic*Silica content: Low (thin, milk-like)Temperature: HighViscosity: Low (runny)Frequency: HighDuration: Often
26
Why are volcanoes at *divergent* boundaries *effusive*? (smooth, gentle flows of lava - when lava has low viscosity)
bcdefBasic lava is runny (has low viscosity)
27
How does volcanic activity affect landforms on *divergent* boundaries?
Runny basaltic rock creates *pillow lava* formations (round igneous rocks) - eruption of magma occurs mostly underwater. Magma erupting directly onto sea bed is rapidly cooled which forms pillow lava.*Lava plateaux*, e.g. Giant's causeway.*Mid-ocean ridge* formed by new crust (long chain of underwater mountains).Low, flat *shield volcanoes* formed by runny lava.*Rift valley*
28
What is a mid-ocean ridge?
Very long chains of mountains on the sea floor.Altogether have a combined length of 60,000km.At intervals, ridges are broken by *transform faults*.Vary in shape depending on rate of spreading (determined by amount and rate of magma rising).
29
Very long chains of mountains on the sea floor.Altogether have a combined length of 60,000km.At intervals, ridges are broken by *transform faults*.Vary in shape depending on rate of spreading (determined by amount and rate of magma rising).
What is a mid-ocean ridge?
30
How does the spreading of plates cause earthquakes?
*Transform faults*Small, shallow-focus *earthquakes* occur along their lengths as they slip.
31
What are *transform faults*?
Large-scale faults in the crust at right angles to a mid-ocean ridge, which can displace the ridge laterally by tens to hundreds of km. Volcanic activity is absent along transform faults as it is on a conservative margins, but as they slip energy is released in the form of earthquakes
32
Why do *divergent* boundaries have *shield volcanoes*?
bcdefLave flows far which forms low, gently sloping volcanoes.Runny basic lava erupts gently.Less viscous lava flows far (flows easily).Creates wide, gently sloping volcanoes.
33
Describe the sequence of formation of a *rift valley*
(Rift valleys are found on land and at the bottom of the ocean) Divergent plate boundaryRising magma creates dome/bulge.Plates continue to spread.Brittle rocks fracture and fault.Dome subsides (sinks) forming a steep-sided valley.E.g. African rift valley (African plate splitting apart).
34
Rift zones on land
bcdefContinental crust must be thin for rifting to occur.E.g. Red Sea northwards to Turkey:Crust has been stretched, causing faulting and forming a sunken valley known as a *graben*.As rift widened, magma erupted to surface.Eventually rift valley sank below sea level, forming the present-day Red Sea.
35
What are the 3 types of *convergent boundary*?Why are there 3?
bcdefOceanic-continentalOceanic-oceanicContinental-continental (collision)Plates have different densities.Continental: 2.6-2.7kg m^3Oceanic: 3.0kg m^3
36
Example of *oceanic-continental convergent* (destructive) plate boundaries
bcdefNazca plate -> South American plate
37
What happens at *oceanic-continental convergent* plate boundaries?
bcdefConvection currents cause plates to converge.The denser oceanic plate subsides beneath the less dense continental.*Slab pull* accelerates movement of oceanic plate.
38
Describe the movement of tectonic plates at a *oceanic-continental convergent* boundary
bcdef1. Plates push together by convection currents.2. The more dense oceanic crust subducts beneath the less dense continental crust.3. Friction from plates rubbing together heats plates. Water from the ocean helps crust melt forming viscous acidic magma. Pressure builds up causing deep and shallow *earthquakes*.4. Magma forces through continental crust (viscous lava has explosive eruptions).5. *Slab pull* pulls subducting plate faster.*Volcanoes* and *fold mountains* are formed near the edge of continental crust.
39
How is magma formed at *oceanic-continental convergent* boundaries?
bcdefSubduction brings *volatiles* (water + CO2) which cause melting of rock.
40
features of explosive explosions
convergentacidic lava, so high silica content, high viscosity, lower temperature at eruption violent eruption, vent and top of cone often shatteredmaterials erupted: gas, dust, ash, lava bombs and tephralow frequency of eruptionshape (already know from other flashcard)
41
Why do volcanoes at convergent boundaries build steeper slopes?
Acidic lava has a high silica content which makes it viscous (thick). Therefore it does not flow easily so builds up steep *composite volcanoes* (layers of rock and *tephra*).
42
Why do volcanoes at convergent boundaries erupt more *explosively*?
Pressure builds up over long periods of time due to high viscosity and slow flowing magma.
43
Describe and explain the formation of *strato volcanoes* (*composite volcanoes*)
Description:Cone-likeSteep-sidedHave a crater at the topComposite (made up of layers)Have secondary ventsLayers of ash and acid lava built up over successive eruptions.Lava intrudes into layers, forming *sills* (horizontal intrusion of magma) and *dykes* (vertical intrusions of magma). Vents of volcano can be sealed by solidified magma/lava (*plug*).This causes pressure to build up, resulting in explosive eruptions.Magma erupts violently as air bubbles finally burst.Throws droplets of lava as *tephra* and *lava bombs*.E.g. *Mount Etna, Italy*
44
Describe and explain the formation of *calderas*
bcdefDescription:BasinExplosive eruptions empty the magma chamber beneath the volcano.The lack of support beneath causes the volcano to collapse on itself, forming a caldera crater.Collapsing of volcano's sides can cause *tsunamis*.E.g. *Krakatoa, India*
45
Describe the causes of earthquake activity found at convergent plate boundaries. (Oceanic - Continental)
bcdefTwo plates being pushed into one another which builds up immense amount of pressure.Faulting and fracturing takes place in the *benioff zone*.Causes pressure and energy to be released which creates earthquakes.
46
What is the *benioff zone*?
The boundary between the subjecting ocean plate and over-riding continental plate.Seismic energy is released here as rocks fault and fracture.
47
What happens at oceanic-oceanic boundaries?
Slightly denser plate will be subducted.
48
What is formed at oceanic-oceanic convergent boundaries?
bcdef*Ocean trench* where the denser plate subducts.E.g. *Mariana trench* nearly up to 11,000m deep.*Island arcs*. As descending plates melt, magma is produce and rises to surface. Eruptions form chains of strato volcanoes.E.g. *Mariana islands* up to 820m above sea level.
49
Describe the movement of tectonic plates at a *oceanic-oceanic convergent* boundary
bcdef1. Convection currents push crust together.2. Denser oceanic crust subducts under less dense oceanic crust. This movement is speedened up by slab pull 3. Forming an *ocean trench* at the area of subduction.4. *Volatiles* help descending crust to melt and forms magma which rises and erupts forming *island arcs*.5. Composite volcanoes are formed from viscous acidic lava.
50
How does plate movement affect landforms and landscapes at oceanic-oceanic convergent plate boundries ?
bcdefCreates deep *ocean trenches* and tall mountain ranges (*island arcs*).
51
How does explosive volcanic activity affect landforms and landscapes?
Explosive eruptions form:*Strato (composite) volcanoes* made up of layers of tephra and acidic lava which contain complex internal systems which create *dykes* and *sills* underground.*Caldera craters* which appear as a large crater, group of small islands or as a large lake.
52
How does earthquake activity affect landforms and landscapes?
bcdefFault lines and cracks can occur in crust as energy from earthquakes
53
Examples of continental-continental plate boundaries
*Himalayas* (Indian plate <-> Eurasian plate)
54
Why are continental-continental boundaries called 'collision' boundaries?
Because they collide.They move together but aren't dense enough to subduct.
55
Describe the movement of tectonic plates at continental-continental boundaries
2 continental plates converge.Little, if any subduction occurs due to similar densities.Accumulated sediments are compressed into rock which buckle and fold forming *mountain ranges*.
56
Explain why the plates are moving in this way at continental-continental boundary
Convection currents push plates together. However they move slower because there is no slab pull or ridge push to accelerate movement.
57
Describe the causes of earthquake activity at a continental-continental boundary collision
bcdefFriction builds up at the collision zone. Rocks crack and fault and when pressure reaches the threshold energy is released as an earthquake.Earthquakes are usually have a shallow focus and are of moderate strength. E.g. Nepal, 2015 (7.0MW)
58
How do collision boundaries affect landforms and landscapes? (continental-continental convergent)
Fold mountain chains are formed - the Himalayas formed due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates began 50 million years ago and continues today, apporx 2,500 km in lengthLoss of ocean floor due to tectonic uplift.Cracks and faulting in rocks.Synclines and anti-synclines (bending of rock).
59
Example of a conservative plate boundary
bcdef*San Andreas Fault* California
60
Why are conservative boundaries named this?
Crust is neither created or destroyed, just conserved (slide past each other).
61
Describe the movement of tectonic plates (San Andreas Fault) at conservative plate boundaries
bcdefPlates move past each other.Pacific plate (LA) moves north west by 5-9cm /year.North American plate (San Fran) moves north west by 2-3cm /year.*Slab pull* as crust subduct at different boundaries.Difference in rate means North American plate moves south-east in relative terms.
62
Explain why no volcanic activity is found at conservative plate boundaries
bcdefNo subduction or spreading occurs.Rock doesn't melt.Therefore no formation and pressure build up of magma.
63
Describe the causes of an earthquake at a conservative boundary
- Plates do not move steadily (they move intermittently).- Plates rub against each other creating frictional resistance and they sometimes get stuck.- Pressure gradually builds up until it reaches the threshold.- Rocks fracture and energy is released as shallow-focus earthquakes. Plates move in a 'jolt'.Rocks move suddenly and energy is released as shallow-focus, high magnitude earthquakes, causing a large amounts of surface damage
64
Describe features of an earthquake at a conservative boundary
bcdefShallow-focusHigh magnitudeLateral movements (plates move past one another) (P and love waves)
65
How do conservative boundaries affect landforms and landscapes?
- Do not create large landforms. - in some places it is possible to discern active plate boundaries extending through the landscape like a giant tear. - Landforms across the faults can also be displaced.e.g. River channels deflected by movement of faults, effecting drainage- Can create major faults across landscapes (San Andreas Fault): The fault zone is marked by distinctive landforms that include long straight escarpments, narrow ridges, and small undrained ponds formed by the settling of small blocks within the zone. Many stream channels characteristically jog sharply to the right where they cross the fault.
66
Example of a hot spot
Hawaiian islandsMiddle of pacific plate
67
What is a *hot spot*?
A particularly hot section of mantle. This can melt through the crust causing volcanic activity. Hot spots usually occur away from plate boundaries. Some are found at plate boundaries, e.g.Iceland.
68
Describe the formation of volcanic Islands at a hot spot (Hawaii)
bcdef1. Plume of particularly hot mantle.2. Melts through crust forming volcano and island.3. Movement of plate transports volcano away from hot spot. 4. Volcano becomes extinct. New volcano formed at hot spot. Oldest (smaller) island: Kauai (formed 3.8 million years ago)Newest (bigger) island: Hawaii (big island) Some 30km from the big island the next volcano in the chain, Loihi is rising up from the ocean floorCrust moves away from hot spot so it cools and becomes denser making it subside (sink), and becomibg underwater mountains or seamountsIslands have been *eroded* by waves, weathering and mass movement making the older islands much smaller.
69
Volcanic activity at Hawaii is *less viscous basaltic lava* (has lower silica content).Explain which type of volcano will be formed by eruptions at hotspots and why.
*Shield*, gently sloping, wide volcanoes.Because basaltic lava is less viscous meaning it flows easily and flows further.*Effusive eruptions* build huge volcanoes.
70
Describe the earthquake activity experienced at a hot spot
bcdefThey are caused by a build-up of pressure and movement of ground due to volcanic activity.Small earthquakes, generally shallow focus FrequentCaused by movement of magmaMost where hot spot it (Hawaii).
71
Explain the difference between hot spot volcano chains and island arcs s
*Hot spot volcano chain*- Magma activity at hot spot- Basic lava- Effusive- Shield volcano- Formed in a sequence- Big age difference*Island arcs*- Magma activity (subduction and volatiles)- Acidic lava- Explosive- Strato volcano (composite)- Closer together in age, less variation as they are formed together.
72
Example of a super volcano
*Yellowstone, Wyoming*North American plate
73
What is a *super volcano*
A volcano that erupts more than 1000km^3 of material in a single eruption.Are usually found as giant *calderas*.They occur when rising magma cannot break through crust.Pressure increases as more magma rises until magma violently forces its way through as a huge eruption.
74
Volcanic eruptions generate distinctive hazards
bcdef...
75
Outline different Lava flows based on silica content
bcdef*Basic* (Basaltic) Lava is free-flowing and can run for considerable distances.*Acidic*Thick, pasty lava doesn't flow easily. Everything in the path of lava is burned/buried destroying infrastructure/properties/crops.Rarely cases injuries/fatalities because people can escape the flow.
76
*Pyroclastic flows*
Combination of hot gases (500degC+), ash and rock fragments travelling at high speeds (100km/hr). Follow contours of ground and destroy everything in path.Inhalation of hot, poisonous gas can result in almost instant death.
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*Tephra/Ash*
tephra: Any material ejected from volcano into air.includes Fine ash/volcanic bombs.Buries farmland, destroying crops, disrupts transport on ground and in air.Iceland's volcanic eruption (2010) led to cancellation of 100,000 flights due to ashBuilds can collapse due to weight of accumulated ash.People with respiratory diseases have difficulty breathing. A significant hazard due to the long term damage it causes to infrastructure.
78
*Gas emissions from volcanic eruptions*(CO, CO2, SO2)
Effects of Gas Emissions: Deadly Threat to Humans: High concentrations of CO₂ can displace oxygen, causing suffocation (e.g., Mammoth Mountain, USA—CO₂ emissions from volcanic activity have caused tree die-offs and pose a risk to humans).CO is highly toxic and can cause poisoning. Acid Rain Formation: SO₂ combines with atmospheric water to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), leading to acid rain.Example: Mount Pinatubo (1991)—released SO₂ that caused acid rain, damaging crops and water sources. Environmental Damage: Acid rain increases rock weathering, affecting buildings and historical monuments Soil and water pollution harm ecosystems and agriculture (e.g., Laki eruption, Iceland (1783)—caused crop failures and famine across Europe). very most significant hazard, as it often does undetected, l
79
*Lahars*
bcdefType of mud flow (consistency of wet concrete).Travel up to 50km/hr.Destroy/bury everything in it's path.Eruption in Columbia (1984) killed 23,000 due to lahars.
80
*Floods* volcanos
bcdefVolcanic eruptions beneath ice field/glacier results in rapid melting. Iceland's volcano lies beneath ice and snow.Eruptions cause vast quantities of water to accumulate until it finds an exit.Results in torrents of water, can cause devastating floods.
81
How can Tsunamis be caused by volcanic eruptions
bcdefEruptions of island volcanoes cause displacement of ocean water creating tsunami waves that travel up to 600km/hr. Tsunamis created by eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 believed to have drowned 36,000 people. Although these kill significant amounts of people, they are an infrequent hazard of volcanic eruptions, so is less significant than the hazards that occur with every eruption.
82
What is the *volcanic explosively index*?
bcdefA measurement used to rank and compare different volcanic eruptions using:- volume of erupted material.- height the ejected material reaches.- duration in hours.- qualitative measures ('gentle', 'mega-colossal').
83
What are earthquakes
The release of stress that has built up within the Earth's crust caused by tension, compression or the shearing of rocks.Release of energy causes *seismic waves* to be released from the *focus*.
84
Parts of an earthquake e.g focus, epicentre
bcdef*Focus* point at which waves originate from (point where stress is released).*Epicentre* directly above the focus (where most severe impacts will be).*Seismic waves* energy released travels as waves.*Fault line* where movement in plates occur.
85
Where do earthquakes happen?
bcdef*Mid-ocean ridge* (divergent boundary)/*rift valleys* (constructive boundary)*Ocean trenches* (convergent boundary)/*island areas* (destructive)*Collision zones* (convergent)*Conservative margins* (conservative)*Away from plate margins*
86
Shallow focus earthquakes
0-70km deepOccur in cold, brittle rock resulting from fracturing of rocks due to stress within the crustVery commonReleasing low levels of energyHigh-energy, shallow quakes are capable of causing severe damage Shallow earthquakes cause the most damage.
87
Deep focus earthquakes
70-700km deepIncreasing depth = extreme temps/pressures Rarely cracks rock - strong but does less damage
88
Types of *seismic waves*
bcdef*Primary (P) waves*Fast-travellingLow-frequencyCompressional wavesVibrate in the direction they're travellingTravel through Earth's interior (through solids and liquids)*Secondary (S) waves*Half the speed of P wavesHigh-frequencyVibrate at right angles to the direction they're travellingCannot pass through liquids (so cannot travel through outer core)*Surface (L) waves*Slowest wavesLow-frequencyRolling movements that move the surface verticallyTravel through outer crust only
89
Measuring earthquake magnitude
*Richter scale*Measure of *energy released* on a logarithmic scale (each whole number represents a 10-fold increase in amplitude).Largest record quakes are magnitude of around 9.Doesn't measure damage (partly determined by magnitude but also by population density and level of preparedness). *Modified Mercalli Scale (MMS)*Qualitative measure of *damage experienced* related to ground movement (impacts felt and seen by people). Attempts to measure both intensity and impact.Based on observation and description. *Moment magnitude scale (Mw)*Measures energy released more accurately than Richter. Measures amount of movement of the ground - a direct function of energy. Accurate for large earthquakes but not useful for smaller ones.
90
Describe the correlation between the Richter scale and MMI.Suggest a reason for this
Positive correlationStronger earthquakes = more energy = more damage
91
Why is the Mw a more useful scale than the others?
bcdefMeasures direct energy that causes ground movement so can be used to predict damage.
92
Effects of earthquakes on landforms and landscapes
Associated with formation of *mountain ranges* (e.g. Himilayas) at *collision boundaries*. Collision of India and Eurasian plates led to complex pattern of folding and faulting of rocks creating the world's highest fold mountains: 96/109 of world's peaks >7000m located here. * Rift valleys* *along mid-ocean ridges* (e.g. East Africa - evidence of earthquakes on morphology of Earth's surface)*Fault scarps* and *escarpments* of rift valleys mark locations of faults caused by tension and compression within crust. Rift valleys are weathered and eroded so over time fault scarps are worn away and blend into landscape, can even disappear under accumulated sediments.
93
Hazards generated by earthquakes
bcdefEvery year, around 100 earthquakes with potential to impact significantly.2000-2015: estimated 800,000-900,000 killed by earthquakes.
94
*Ground shaking and ground displacement* LocalPlace specific Potentially severe impacts? earthquakes
Vertical and horizontal movement of ground. Severity depends on: - Earthquake magnitude - Distance from epicentre - Local geology Close to epicentre of high-mag quakes with unconsolidated surface layers with high water content will experience extreme shaking. Swaying of buildings impacts their stability Displacement of rocks along fault lines can: - Rip apart pipelines and sewers - Sever rigid structures (railway tracks and roads) - Cause building collapse - Disrupt drainage systems (diverting streams and rivers, affecting movement of aquifers) - can have serious implications for public water supply and irrigation for agriculture.
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*Liquefaction*
Vibrations of quake cause surface materials with high water contents (fine-grained sands, alluvium, landfill) to behave like liquids.Materials loose strength; slopes (river banks) collapse and structures tilt and sink as foundations give way. One of the smallest hazards, as it doesn't pose a huge risk to human life, only infrastructure. Japan 2011 earthquake - soil liquefaction occurred over a large area. Some 27,000 structures sank or tilted, causing massive damage
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How do earthquakes create landslides and avalanches? How can landslides impact transport and river systems?
bcdefShaking loosens lopes on mountains causing slope failure. E.g. Himilayas - unstable/vulnerable (increased by deforestation and monsoon rains) even small tremors can cause landslides.Nepalese quake (2015) triggered multiple landslides and avalanches caused by ground shaking.- Block transport routes where accessibility is already difficult.- Block rivers - natural dams create temporary lakes which lead to flooding when dam fails.
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*Tsunamis*Place specificCoastal areasWidespreadRegional/global Caused by earthquake
Underwater earthquakes Cause *sea bed uplift* - displaces water above, producing powerful waves at surface which spread outwards from epicentre. Wave height increases as they approach shoreline and shallower water. Local height of wave affected by shape of sea bed and coastline. *Underwater landslides* When large volume of rock displaced underwater it slumps down, displacing water, creating a wave which radiates outwards. One of most significant hazard presented by earthquakes due to the scale of the impact, particularly for low-income areas with poorly structured buildings and ineffective warning systems.
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CASE STUDY (*Volcanoes*)
USA, HAWAII, 2018 (AC) INDONESIA, 2010 (EDC) DRC, 2021 (LIDC)
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Classifying volcanoes
Active*: erupted within the last 10,000 years.E.g. Kilauea (Hawaii) erupting continuously since 1983. *Dormant*: has not erupted in last 10,000 years, expected to erupt some time in future.E.g. Yellowstone erupted 70,000 years ago. There are ongoing earthquakes, geothermal features such as geysers and ground inflation). *Extinct*: not expected to erupt ever again.E.g. Kohala (Hawaii) erupted 120,000 years ago.
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CASE STUDY (*Earthquakes*)
JAPAN, 2011 (AC) MEXICO, 2017 (EDC) NEPAL, 2015 (LIDC)
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*Japan*Context
Location: - East Asia, Japan - Tohoku - northern region of main Island of Japan - - Honshu Island. - 70km offshore - North part of main island Tectonic context: - Convergent (destructive) oceanic - continental plate boundary - Pacific (oceanic) subducts beneath Eurasian (continental) - 9.0Mw (BIG)- Shallow focus earthquake (30km deep) - 11th March, 2011- Numerous aftershocks (7.0-8.0Mw)
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*Japan*Reasons why people choose to live here
Perception of risk - Investment in education/engineering builds feeling of security. - Experiences 400 earthquakes each day (most can't be felt) - minor earthquakes help Japanese feel accustomed to these hazards. - Earthquakes and their effects are part of Japanese culture and folklore. - Small geo-thermal power plants since the 1960's. - There has been an attempt to increase the scale of operations especially in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear meltdown. - Intensive agricultural industry made possible by extremely fertile volcanic soils. - Volcanic activity has become a major tourist attraction in Japan.
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*Japan*Impacts experienced (2011)
Largest ever recorded earthquake to hit Japan (9.0Mw). Shaking lasted 3-7 minutes. Many aftershocks.7.0-8.0Mw Tsunami waves created.Reaching up to 40.5m tall (far higher than sea defences).Travelled 10km inland (reaching the city of Sendai).Waves reached Antarctica and USA. Earthquake nocked out power supply to Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.Tsunami flooded back-up generators and triggered nuclear meltdown in three reactors. 400km stretch of coastline dropped 0.6m vertically.Honshu island moves 2.4m east.
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*Japan*ECONOMIC impacts on country
Cost of the event estimated at nearly $181 billion. Just less than 50,00 buildings destroyed; around 140,000 damaged. 15 ports damaged, 4 destroyed. 4.4. mullion households and thousands of businesses in northeast Japan were left without electricity. Japanese stock market fell - major companies affected (Sony, Toyota, Panasonic) as power cuts halted production and port damage prevented export of goods. Fishing industry affected as radioactive wast contaminates Pacific Ocean Farmland flooded by tsunami contained by salt - land made infertile. Fukushima nuclear power plant had to be decommissioned after meltdown.
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*Japan*SOCIAL impacts on country
16,000 people were killed and 6,000 injured. Bodies disposed of in mass graves to reduce the chance of disease. Extent of damage meant reconstruction of house, schools and health centres took 5 years. 5,800 people evacuated and permanently relocated from fallout zone following fukishima
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*Japan*POLITICAL impacts on country
Government increased national debt to help recovery efforts; spent billions of yen to stabilise economy. A large movement against nuclear power has developed and spread globally. The government is yet to decide on the future of nuclear power. International travel advice against visiting Japan (USA, France, Australia).Foreign residents (e.g. international students) left the country.
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Risk (R) =...
Risk (R) = (HxV)/CH - *Frequency* or *magnitude* of hazardV - Level of vulnerabilityC - Capacity of population to cope and adapt *(H)*Frequent hazards would increase risk because...- People do not have time to recover from previous hazard (they're still vulnerable).- Regular disruption would limit economic/social development.- Reduce investment in an area.Stronger hazards would increase risk because...- More energy causing more damage (more likely to be devastating).- Less likely to mitigate successfully against unusually high magnitude hazards.* (V)*Vulnerability = whether people have to ability to *withstand* hazards.More vulnerable people are at greater risk from hazards because small changes can have significant socio-economic impacts.E.g. Subsistence farmers losing an area of crops are severely affected. Large landowner with same proportion of land affected would be less severely affected. # *(C)*More resilient populations are at less risk because...- Reduces damage done my hazard.- Able to afford better mitigation strategies.
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What is sea-floor spreading and how does it contribute to tectonic hazards?
: Sea-floor spreading occurs at divergent plate boundaries, where new oceanic crust forms as tectonic plates move apart. This process leads to the creation of mid-ocean ridges, volcanic activity, and can trigger seismic events along the ridges.
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What is slab pull and how does it influence tectonic plate movement?
: Slab pull occurs when a denser oceanic plate subducts beneath a less dense continental plate. As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it pulls the rest of the plate along, driving tectonic plate movement and contributing to volcanic and seismic hazards.
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What are hotspots and how do they create volcanic activity?
: Hotspots are areas of intense volcanic activity caused by plumes of hot material rising from deep within the Earth’s mantle. These plumes remain stationary while tectonic plates move over them, forming chains of volcanic islands (e.g., Hawaii, Iceland).
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How do social factors impact a community's vulnerability to tectonic hazards?
: Social factors like population density, education, and preparedness influence how vulnerable a community is to tectonic hazards. For example, densely populated areas or those with limited resources may face higher risks due to poor evacuation systems or lack of infrastructure.
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How do economic factors affect a community's resilience to tectonic hazards?
: Wealthier communities are generally better equipped with infrastructure, technology, and emergency response systems, making them more resilient. Poorer areas may lack these resources, leading to slower recovery and greater loss of life.
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How do political factors influence vulnerability to tectonic hazards?
: Political factors like governance, disaster response preparedness, and international aid can significantly influence how well a community can prepare for and recover from tectonic hazards. Strong governance systems ensure effective mitigation, response, and recovery efforts.
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What is the Park’s Disaster Response Model?
: The Park’s Model illustrates the stages of disaster response. It shows the initial relief phase after a hazard, followed by recovery and reconstruction. It also compares the pre-disaster situation with post-disaster recovery, with an emphasis on vulnerability reduction over time.
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What is the Hazard Management Cycle?
: The Hazard Management Cycle is a continuous process involving:Mitigation: Reducing the likelihood and impact of disasters (e.g., building codes).Preparedness: Planning for disasters and educating the public.Response: Immediate actions after a hazard (e.g., rescue operations).Recovery: Long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.
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What is Degg’s Model of disaster?
.... suggests that a disaster occurs when a hazard intersects with a vulnerable population. The severity of the disaster is a function of the hazard's magnitude and the population's vulnerability (e.g., lack of preparedness or resources). Whose model is this?
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.... suggests that a disaster occurs when a hazard intersects with a vulnerable population. The severity of the disaster is a function of the hazard's magnitude and the population's vulnerability (e.g., lack of preparedness or resources). Whose model is this?
What is Degg’s Model of disaster?
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What are the hazard perception theories?
....... explain how people perceive and respond to risks. Factors like personal experience, media influence, and cultural beliefs shape how individuals and communities understand and prepare for hazards. For example, people living near active volcanoes may perceive the risk differently than those far away.
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....... explain how people perceive and respond to risks. Factors like personal experience, media influence, and cultural beliefs shape how individuals and communities understand and prepare for hazards. For example, people living near active volcanoes may perceive the risk differently than those far away.
What are the hazard perception theories?
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How did the 2010 Haiti earthquake illustrate the importance of vulnerability in disaster impact?
: The 2010 Haiti earthquake killed over 230,000 people. Haiti's vulnerability was due to factors such as extreme poverty, poor infrastructure, lack of effective governance, and a dense population in Port-au-Prince. These factors resulted in a catastrophic loss of life and delayed recovery.
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How did Japan’s 2011 Tohoku earthquake demonstrate a different response to tectonic hazards?
: Japan’s 2011 earthquake had significant impacts, but Japan’s advanced warning systems, strict building codes, and government response allowed for quicker recovery compared to countries with less preparation. Japan’s resilience was also aided by its high levels of wealth, technology, and infrastructure.
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What are examples of secondary hazards triggered by tectonic activity?
: Secondary hazards include:Tsunamis: Triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions (e.g., Japan 2011 tsunami).Landslides: Often caused by ground shaking during an earthquake or volcanic eruption.Fires: Can occur after an earthquake, especially in densely populated areas with gas lines.
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What is ridge push and how does it contribute to tectonic plate movement?
Ridge push occurs at divergent plate boundaries, where new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges. As the crust cools and becomes denser, it slides down the slope of the ridge, pushing the older, neighbouring plate away from the ridge. This process drives the movement of tectonic plates.
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Why is basic lava produced at divergent boundaries, and acidic lava at convergent boundaries?
Basic (or basaltic) lava, which is low in silica, is produced at divergent boundaries due to the upwelling of mantle material that is less viscous, allowing it to flow easily. In contrast, acidic (or andesitic) lava, which is high in silica, forms at convergent boundaries where subducted oceanic plates melt and the resulting magma is more viscous, leading to explosive volcanic eruptions.
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Draw the earth labelling the layers.
Upper mantle is made up of: lithosphere (uppermost part) and aesthenosphere
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How did the fukushima meltdown during 2011 Japan earthquake have political effects?
Several years before the disaster warnings had been made about the poor defences that existed at nuclear power plants in the event of a tsunami. A number of executives at the Fukushima power plant resigned in the aftermath of the disaster. A movement against nuclear power, which Japan heavily relies on, developed following the tsunami. The disaster at Fukushima added political weight in European countries were anti-nuclear bodies used the event to reinforce their arguments against nuclear power.
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How might climate change interact with earthquake hazards?
Increased rainfall: Heavy rainfall can trigger landslides in earthquake-prone regions, especially after tremors. For example, after the 2015 Nepal earthquake, intense monsoon rains caused numerous landslides and avalanches, exacerbating the devastation.Melting glaciers: Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) pose an increased risk in seismically active regions. For example, the 2010 GLOF in Nepal (caused by glacier melt) worsened the impact of the earthquake damage.Rising sea levels: Rising sea levels increase the potential impact of tsunamis. Tsunami Japan 2011 had devastating impacts and rising sea levels today make such events more destructive.
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Q: How might climate change interact with volcanic eruption hazards?
Warmer temperatures: Increased storm frequency can enhance lahar flow. After the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991, heavy rains in the Philippines triggered devastating lahars that affected over 200,000 people.Increased rainfall: In 1998, the eruption of Mount Rabaul (Papua New Guinea) combined with heavy rains, causing massive lahars that destroyed crops and infrastructure.Melting glaciers: The 1991 eruption of Mount Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia) released volcanic ash and melted glaciers, creating lahars that buried the town of Armero, killing around 23,000 people.
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Define rift zone
A rift zone is a region where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart due to tectonic plate movement, leading to the formation of faults, fissures, and volcanic activity.
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When does a graben form?
A graben is a down-dropped block of crust between two parallel normal faults. It forms when the central section of the rift valley sinks further due to continuous stretching. Does a Graben Always Form?Not always. A graben forms if faulting is intense enough to cause a large, distinct down-dropped block.Some rift valleys may form through a series of step faults instead of a single graben.
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How many earthquakes a year?
20000
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Reasons people choose to live in tectonically active locations (Mexico 2017)
ankipro Mexico City’s proximity to fault lines: Despite being located near the Cocos and North American plates, Mexico City remains one of the world's largest urban areas, with a population of over 21 million people.Earthquake preparedness and building regulations: After the 1985 earthquake, Mexico City invested in seismic-resistant infrastructure, improving safety.Cultural and economic significance: Mexico City is a cultural and economic hub, contributing around hundreds of billions to Mexico's GDP. The city's historical and cultural sites attract millions of visitors annually, making it an appealing place to live.Agricultural benefits: The fertile volcanic soil, especially near active volcanoes like Popocatépetl, supports agriculture and is vital for food production in the region.
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2. Reasons people choose to live in tectonically active locations (Nepal 2015)
- As Nepal is a LIDC, many residents will not have the resources to move away or are incapable of doing so due to poor infrastructure - Lack of education, large earthquakes are not frequent (around every 40 - 80 years) so people may not realise there is a threat - Subsistence farming is very prominent in Nepal's economy, farmers may have large plots of land and do not wish to leave -Family tradition/historical/cultural reasons for remaining in the area
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3. Impacts of earthquakes on people (Mexico 2017)
ankipro Magnitude 8.1 earthquake on September 8, 2017: The earthquake killed 98 people, injured over 1,000, and caused widespread damage in Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco.Tsunami waves: The earthquake generated 1-meter tsunami waves along the Pacific coast, causing flooding and damage in coastal towns.Infrastructure damage: Over 12,000 buildings were damaged, and approximately 2,000 homes were completely destroyed.Economic losses: The total economic loss was estimated at $1.5 billion, including damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses.Evacuations: About 5,000 people were evacuated from high-risk zones, primarily in Oaxaca and Chiapas.
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4. Impacts of earthquakes on people (Nepal 2015)
9,000 people died and left 22,309 others injured.- Many people had to move to temporary shelters, likely to enhance the spread of disease- nearly half a million homes were destroyed,- Several culturally important locations were lost such as the Dharahara tower- Single women were disadvantaged for aid as most aid was controlled by men, inequalities - An avalanche killed at least 17 people at the Mount Everest Base Camp. - Many landslides occurred along steep valleys. For example, 250 people were killed when the village of Ghodatabela was covered in material. -
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5. Economic impacts of earthquakes (Mexico 2017)
ankipro Damage to infrastructure: The earthquake caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and utilities in affected areas, with repairs costing an estimated $1.5 billion.Agricultural loss: Around 30,000 hectares of crops, including coffee and corn, were destroyed, severely impacting local farming communities.Tourism impact: Tourism in coastal regions like Acapulco and Puerto Escondido dropped significantly, with a 25% decline in visitors following the earthquake.Cost of reconstruction: The total cost of rebuilding was estimated at $1.5 billion, with significant government spending directed to affected regions.
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6. Economic impacts of earthquakes (Nepal 2015)
- economic loss of 10 billion US dollarsthe disaster - The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated economic losses to be between nine per cent and fifty per cent of GDP. - Tourism is a significant source of revenue in Nepal, and the earthquake led to a sharp drop in visitors. - 50% of shops were destroyed, affecting food supplies and people’s livelihoods.
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7. Environmental impacts of earthquakes (Mexico 2017)
ankipro Soil liquefaction: The earthquake caused soil liquefaction in coastal and low-lying areas, leading to significant damage to infrastructure and farmland.Landslides: More than 100 landslides were triggered by the earthquake, especially in the mountainous regions of Oaxaca and Chiapas. These blocked roads and isolated communities.Tsunami damage: The 1-meter tsunami along the Pacific coast caused damage to coral reefs and coastal ecosystems, affecting local marine life.Air and water quality concerns: The collapse of buildings, combined with volcanic ash, worsened air quality in urban centers, particularly Mexico City.
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8. Environmental impacts of earthquakes (Nepal 2015)
loss of forest and farm land due to landslides and avalanches changes to water sources increased sediment in rivers and risk of downstream flooding impacts on protected area and community forest management; and death of wild animals. A huge amount of debris was generated from damaged buildings, some of which was dumped in rivers, wetlands and forests. Hazardous waste included medical and electrical wastes (e.g. mercury), laboratory and industrial chemicals, and petroleum products. Some toxic chemicals will have ended up in ground water or rivers; some are persistent pollutants. Dead bodies and livestock carcasses contaminated the environment after the earthquakeMuch plastic waste generated in the relief phase was not properly disposed of.
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9. Political impacts of earthquakes (Mexico 2017)
ankipro Government response: The Mexican government, under President Enrique Peña Nieto, launched a large-scale, military-led rescue operation, deploying 10,000 troops to affected areas.Public trust: Despite some criticism for slow responses in rural areas, the government’s overall response was seen as effective, aided by previous experience from the 1985 earthquake.International support: The government received aid from several countries, including the U.S. and Japan, and the Mexican Red Cross received widespread support.Political pressure: Reconstruction costs, estimated at $1.5 billion, led to significant political discussions and calls for improved disaster preparedness and resource allocation.
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10. Political impacts of earthquakes (Nepal 2015)
The Nepali government was heavily criticized for its slow and ineffective response to the disaster. Many survivors lacked food, water, and shelter for days. Corruption concerns arose over the mismanagement of aid and delays in relief distribution. Nepal's political instability worsened due to the EQ, which was already poor due to recent problems with the democracy of the region, including coups Nepal had been struggling to draft a new constitution for years.The earthquake pressured political leaders to finalize it quickly, leading to the adoption of the new constitution on September 20, 2015—just five months after the disaster.However, the constitution triggered tensions with Madhesi and Tharu ethnic groups, leading to border blockades and political unrest.
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Mitigating Earthquake Hazards: Land-Use Zoning (Mexico)
ankipro Land-Use Zoning in Mexico City: After the devastating 1985 earthquake, Mexico City implemented land-use zoning to reduce risks, particularly in areas prone to liquefaction and near active volcanic zones.Restricting construction in high-risk zones: Authorities limit construction in high-risk areas, such as old lakebeds and near fault lines, reducing the risk of damage from earthquakes.Urban planning regulations: In areas like Xochimilco and Pedregal de San Ángel, development is regulated to prevent high-density buildings in dangerous zones.Land-use zoning outcomes: These zoning laws have helped reduce the development of the most dangerous areas, but informal settlements still exist in some high-risk zones.
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2. Mitigating Earthquake Hazards: Land-Use Zoning (Nepal)
- Land-Use Zoning in Kathmandu Valley Nepal lacks extensive land-use zoning laws, but after the 2015 earthquake, the government proposed better land-use planning for Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding areas. - Challenges with enforcement: Due to rapid urbanization, enforcement of zoning laws has been difficult. Many informal settlements in Kathmandu are built in high-risk areas prone to earthquakes, landslides, and flooding. - Growth in high-risk zones: Many informal settlements, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, are built in areas vulnerable to seismic hazards. - Future improvements: Post-2015, there is a push for stronger enforcement of land-use zoning laws, aiming to reduce vulnerability to future earthquakes.
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3. Mitigating Earthquake Hazards: Building Design (Mexico)
ankipro Seismic-resistant buildings: Following the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, building codes were updated to incorporate earthquake-resistant design in all new constructions. Strengthening existing buildings: Older buildings, especially in the downtown area, were retrofitted with steel frames and base isolators to prevent collapse during earthquakes. Urban centers' preparedness: By 2017, over 60% of buildings in Mexico City had been constructed with seismic safety features, significantly reducing earthquake vulnerability. Building code enforcement: The enforcement of modern building codes has helped reduce earthquake risk, although some older, unreinforced buildings remain at risk.
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4. Mitigating Earthquake Hazards: Building Design (Nepal)
- Building regulations after 2015: After the 2015 earthquake, Nepal implemented stricter building codes that require reinforced concrete and steel frames to improve earthquake resistance. - Challenges with enforcement: Enforcing building codes is difficult, especially in rural areas and informal settlements, where construction often lacks seismic resistance. - Reconstruction after the 2015 earthquake: The government, along with international organizations, focused on earthquake-resistant rebuilding efforts through the Build Back Better initiative. - Community-based efforts: Local communities, supported by NGOs, have been involved in constructing safer homes using modern techniques to improve resilience in rural areas.
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5. Mitigating Earthquake Losses: Insurance (Mexico)
ankipro Earthquake insurance in Mexico: Mexico has a developed earthquake insurance system, with both private and public options available. The FONDEN (National Disaster Fund) helps cover losses after earthquakes, supporting recovery efforts.Government-backed insurance: The FONDEN provides public funding to cover damages caused by disasters, complementing private insurance and ensuring quicker recovery.Insurance penetration: Only about 20% of households in Mexico are covered by earthquake insurance, leaving a large portion of the population vulnerable to economic loss after a major earthquake.Impact of insurance: In areas like Oaxaca and Chiapas, insurance coverage has helped with faster recovery and rebuilding, but coverage remains limited in rural areas.
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6. Mitigating Earthquake Losses: Insurance (Nepal)
- Lack of widespread earthquake insurance: Nepal lacks a formal, national earthquake insurance system. Most of the population is uninsured against natural disasters, making it difficult to recover financially after an earthquake. - Challenges with insurance accessibility: Low income and limited financial infrastructure prevent most Nepali people from accessing insurance products. - Post-2015 efforts: After the 2015 earthquake, there were efforts to introduce micro-insurance schemes, especially in rural areas, but these programs are still in their early stages. - Government initiatives: The government of Nepal is exploring the creation of a national disaster insurance system, but it is still in the planning phase due to political and financial challenges.
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4. Mitigating Earthquake Vulnerability: Public Education (Mexico vs. Nepal vs. Japan)
Mexico’s Educational Campaigns:Mexico’s public education efforts include nationwide campaigns on earthquake preparedness, targeting schools, businesses, and public spaces. These campaigns have significantly improved public awareness of safety procedures. Nepal’s Public Education Programs:Following the 2015 earthquake, Nepal launched campaigns that reached over 10 million people, educating the population on how to act during an earthquake. These include promoting safe practices like "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" during tremors. Japan’s Comprehensive Public Education:Japan has a strong earthquake preparedness culture, with ongoing education and safety drills reaching millions. The 2011 earthquake showed the success of these efforts, with nearly 90% of the population being familiar with evacuation and safety measures.Comparison:Japan’s public education efforts are the most extensive, supported by a well-established earthquake preparedness culture. Mexico has developed strong public education campaigns, while Nepal has made progress post-2015 but is still in the process of scaling up these efforts.
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5. Mitigating Earthquake Losses: Loss Mitigation (Mexico vs. Nepal vs. Japan)
Mexico’s Rescue Teams:Mexico’s Rescue Brigades mobilize within two hours after an earthquake. For instance, during the 2017 Puebla earthquake, these teams rescued 50+ people from collapsed buildings, minimizing casualties. Nepal’s Disaster Relief Programs:After the 2015 earthquake, Nepal’s government, supported by international organizations, delivered relief to over 8 million people. This included food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter. Japan’s Rapid Response Teams:Japan’s Disaster Relief Teams are among the fastest in the world. Following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, rescue operations mobilized within hours, saving thousands. Japan’s response was supported by 120,000 soldiers and relief teams, reaching over 500,000 survivors.Comparison:Japan’s relief efforts are among the most advanced globally, with rapid deployment and significant resources. Mexico and Nepal have strong response systems, but Japan’s scale and speed are unparalleled.
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6. Mitigating Earthquake Losses: Reconstruction and Recovery (Mexico vs. Nepal vs. Japan)
Mexico’s Reconstruction Plans:After the 1985 earthquake, Mexico allocated $6 billion through FONDEN (National Disaster Fund) for recovery and rebuilding. By 1995, most affected areas had been rebuilt, improving resilience for future quakes. Nepal’s Post-2015 Reconstruction Efforts:Following the 2015 earthquake, Nepal allocated $4.1 billion for recovery. However, reconstruction has been slower due to bureaucratic delays and limited resources, and as of 2020, many areas still need rebuilding. Japan’s Post-2011 Recovery and Reconstruction:Japan allocated $300 billion for the recovery from the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, rebuilding devastated areas and reinforcing infrastructure. By 2017, 90% of homes had been rebuilt, and the country had restored its economy to pre-disaster levels.Comparison:Japan’s recovery from the 2011 earthquake was fast and well-funded, aided by both government resources and private sector participation. Mexico has a history of effective post-earthquake recovery, while Nepal still faces challenges due to limited resources and bureaucratic hurdles.
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Describe the phases of the park model
- Pre-Disaster (Normal Level of Development): Before a disaster occurs, society is at a stable development level with normal infrastructure and economy. - Relief Phase (Immediate Impact): Right after a disaster strikes, the immediate focus is on emergency relief, saving lives, and providing basic needs. The disaster causes a sharp dip in society's development. - Rehabilitation Phase (Recovery): In the weeks and months following the disaster, efforts are made to restore critical infrastructure and services. This period sees the beginning of recovery. - Reconstruction Phase (Development): Long-term recovery and rebuilding occur, with improvements in infrastructure and preparedness for future disasters. Society begins to improve and may even reach a higher development level than before.
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. USA (Hawaii 2018): Reasons Why People Choose to Live in Tectonically Active Locations
- Geothermal Energy and Fertile Soil:Hawaii's volcanic soil supports over $600 million in annual agricultural production, including crops like coffee, macadamia nuts, and tropical fruits. - The volcanic environment also offers geothermal energy, contributing 38 megawatts to the state’s power supply. This is growing with the firm PGV having acquired permits to expand - Tourism and Scenic Beauty:Hawaii's tourism industry generated $17.8 billion in 2018 (1/4 of Hawaii economy) , with volcanic landscapes such as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, which attracted over 2 million visitors annually before the eruption. - Cultural and Historical Significance:Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are deeply embedded in native Hawaiian culture and history, with Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, being a central figure in mythology.
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2. Indonesia (2010): Reasons Why People Choose to Live in Tectonically Active Locations
ankipro Fertile Soil for Agriculture:Indonesia is a major producer of rice, coffee, and vegetables, with over nearly 30% of the population employed in agriculture. Volcanic soil can boost crop yields by up to 20% compared to non-volcanic areas.Fishing and Marine Resources:Indonesia has a one of the largest fishing industry, with volcanic islands supporting rich marine biodiversity, wth about 12 million employedTourism and Cultural Significance:Mount Merapi attracts thousands of visitors yearly, and 2023 tourism contributes to the $14.4 billion (4.1% of GDP) Indonesian tourism industry.
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3. DRC (2021): Reasons Why People Choose to Live in Tectonically Active Locations
- Mining Opportunities:The DRC contains around 50% of the world’s cobalt reserves, and many deposits are in tectonically active areas. Mining contributes over 1$0 billion to the national economy. - Fertile Land for Agriculture:Volcanic soil allows over 60% of the population to engage in subsistence farming, producing key crops like cassava, maize, and beans. - Cultural and Historical Factors:Goma, a city near Mount Nyiragongo, has grown to a population of 333,000, despite the risk of eruptions.
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1. USA (Hawaii 2018): Social Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
- 1,500+ cases of respiratory illnesses due to sulfur dioxide emissions. - "Vog" (volcanic smog) from sulfur dioxide caused asthma flare-ups and skin irritations. - Loss of Cultural and Recreational Spaces:Parts of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park were closed for months, affecting 2 million annual visitors and the 30% of island employed in tourism - approx 700 homes destroyed - 0 deaths2,000 people evacuated - Estimated nearly $240 million in damages to public infrastructure, including 14.5 miles of waterlines destroyed.
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2. Indonesia (2010): Social Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
ankipro Ash clouds caused major disruption to aviation across the region.Roads were blocked with cars and motorcycles as residents tried to flee the hazard zone.Vegetable prices increased because of the damage to crops.Heavy rain on 4 November 2010 caused lahars, washing ash and rock down into towns and destroying bridges.Schools were closed.353 people were killed and 577 people were injured.Overcrowded evacuation centres led to poor sanitation, no privacy and a serious risk of disease.evacuation led to displacement of almost 400,000 people living within 20 km from the summit for one and a half months.
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3. DRC (2021): Social Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
- At least 25,000 people were displaced in Sake, 25 km northwest of Goma, and 7,000 travelled towards neighbouring Rwanda to seek refuge (UNICEF 23/05/2021). - 31 people died, and 24 were injured by the lava flows; over 200 missing. - Three villages and one neighbourhood in the city of Goma were destroyed by the lava, including more than 3,500 houses and five schools (OCHA 25/05/2021). - Over 20,000 people (4,500 households) lost their home and are currently living in host communities, public spaces, and schools.overcrowed refugee commitees with lack of proper sanitation = outbreak of diseases such as malaria and diarrhoea. - Over 1,400 metres of roads were potentially affected by the lava, effecting transport
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4. USA (Hawaii 2018): Economic Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
- 2960 lost jobs - $800 million cost - geothermal power stations closed (which provided 25% of islands power) - lodging and tour bookings for May through July down 50%
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5. Indonesia (2010): Economic Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
ankipro Government officials reported economic losses from the eruption will surpass $600 million (5.5 trillion Rupiah), due to the death of livestock and damage to the tourism, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The rice harvest on the mountain and surrounding area was lost due to the ashfall.number of tourism in followng year dropped by 30%
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6. DRC (2021): Economic Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
- thousands of buildings damaged - Farmers lost thousands of livestock and fertile land due to lava flows. - 15% of city covered in lava, 14 villages destroyed, Goma airport damaged
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USA (Hawaii 2018): Environmental Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
- sulfur dioxide emmisions - Lava entering the ocean produced toxic hydrochloric acid plumes ("laze") - 500 acres of forest reserve destroyed, including critical bird habitats - addition of 875 acres of new land beyond the old coastline - .Gas emissions were at the highest levels ever recorded at Kīlauea and impacted much of the State of Hawaii and areas as far away as Guam. - Hawaiis largest freshwater lake destroyed, Green lake
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8. Indonesia (2010): Environmental Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
ankipro Pyroclastic flows travelled three kilometres down the heavily populated mountain sides.Volcanic ash fell up to 30 kilometres away and travelled six kilometres into the sky.sulfur dioxide was blown across Indonesia, the Indian Ocean and as far south as Australia.long term-improves fertility of the soil
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9. DRC (2021): Environmental Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
- The 2021 eruption released tons of sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide, both of which are acidic gases. - The emissions of sulphur dioxide have not ceased since. - contributing to acid rain, damaging ecosystems, and impacting human health - lava reached speeds of 64km/hr destroying forests and farmland - Pollution of Water Sources: Over 500,000 people faced water shortages due to groundwater contamination.* - Air Quality Issues: o Toxic gases increased respiratory illnesses in thousands of residents.
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10. USA (Hawaii 2018): Political Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
• Government Emergency Response: o Hawaii received a significant proportion of $788 million in disaster relief funds from FEMA, • Debate Over Land Use: o Some areas were permanently declared off-limits for rebuilding due to future risks.
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11. Indonesia (2010): Political Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
ankipro * Government Response and Evacuations: oThe government has set up a special task force to support people that have been affected by the volcano either by family issues, or because they have lost their jobs.o The military played a key role in evacuations and rebuilding.* Strengthened Disaster Preparedness:The government improved early warning systems and evacuation plans after criticism.Needs for hazard education and for multiple eruption scenarios contingency planning
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12. DRC (2021): Political Impacts of Volcanic Eruption
- Government and International Response: o EU allocates €2 million in emergency humanitarian funding - The Congolese government faced criticism for its slow response.* - Weak infrastructure and corruption hindered relief efforts.
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Hawaii (Kīlauea 2018) – Mitigating Against the Event
Lava Diversion Efforts: - During the 2018 eruption, lava diversion was not actively attempted due to the scale and unpredictability of the flows. - Previous efforts, such as in 1960, had limited success, and the 2018 eruption produced 1 cubic kilometer of lava erupted through August, overwhelming potential diversion strategies.
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Indonesia (Merapi 2010) – Mitigating Against the Event
ankipro Hazard Mapping and Exclusion ZonesIndonesian authorities implemented hazard mapping to establish exclusion zones. A 2010 decision to extend evacuation zone from 15 to 20 km, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents duLahar Dams and BarriersSince the introduction of sabo-dam structures on the river channels from the late 1970s, it has been possible to slow lahars (Lavigne and Thouret, 2002). Lahars were therefore constrained on the upper part of the rivers, and seldom exceeded a length of 10 km from the crater. As a result, lahar-related damages and casualties at Merapi have been limited since the 1980s (Lavigne et al., 2000a), and mainly occurred at the bottom of the valleys in quarries mining volcaniclastic deposits
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Background info on DRC 2021
- constructive, continental-continental plate boundary with the African plate being pulled apart into 2 parts of the East African Rift Valley - Nyiragongo volcano - 20km from goma
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Goma obersvatory fact
lack of funding for Goma observatory - World bank pulled funding for Goma observatory as people break in and vandalize equipmentbut also people were more prepared for eruption than in 2002 (greater lived experience) increases vulnurability of population as less advanced warning systems
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Unicef response to goma
- UNICEF installed 15 emergency station chlorination points close to the lake to avoid another cholera outbreak - UNICEF supported installation of 1500m pipe to replace melted pipes - temporary shelters built by Congolese authorities - rapid response teams provided first aid services to ~4600
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Speed of lava from killua eruption 2018
27km/hr
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Plates involved with hawaii
hot spot on pacific plate
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Plates involved with indonesia
ankipro subduction zone of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates.
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Indonesia (Merapi 2010) mitigating against vulnerability
ankipro The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) monitored seismic activity and gas emissions, detecting increased activity in September 2010. This facilitated timely evacuations and hazard assessments.indonesia gov raised the alert for Mount Merapi to its highest level (4) and warned villagers in threatened areas to move to safer groundThe timely warnings and evacuations during the 2010 eruptions saved between 10,000 and 20,000 lives.
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Indonesia (Merapi 2010) mitigating against losses
ankipro 210 evacuation centres were set up either as tents, in schools, churches, stadiums or government offices.The timely warnings and evacuations during the 2010 eruptions saved between 10,000 and 20,000 lives.2,682 people were moved to new, safer houses permanently.The government made money available to farmers to help replace their livestock.The government set up a special task force to support people who were affected by the volcano, either by family issues, or because they lost their jobs
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How many times did merapi erupt?
ankipro 3 times in 2010
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Hawaii Kilauea (2018) - mitigating against vulnerability
Advanced Monitoring Systems: - The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) utilized a comprehensive network of seismic instruments, GPS stations, and gas sensors to monitor volcanic activity. - This allowed for the detection of magma movement and gas emissions, facilitating early warnings. Public Alerts and Evacuations: - The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency issued timely alerts through various channels, including text messages, sirens, and media broadcasts. - This led to the evacuation of approximately 2,000 residents prior to significant lava inundation, effectively minimizing casualties. because of the unpredictability of disasters such as volcanic activity, as well as Hawaii’s isolation, island residents and visitors are vulnerable in case of a major natural disaster. For this reason, people who live in Hawaii are encouraged to have a 14-day emergency supply kit that includes water, food, medication, etc., that will last at least two weeks. also recommendation on having evacuation plans and staying indoor during ash falleducation in schools
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Hawaii Kilauea (2018) - mitigating against losses
- The Hawaii National Guard (HARNG) and Hawaii Air National Guard (HANG) members were called to report to assist in the response. They helped evacuate residents on the north shores of Oahu and Kauai to safe locations. They also assisted with fighting brush fires set off by lava on the Big Island - Individuals with damaged property were recommended to contact FEMA for financial support
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speed of ...... from Indonesia 2010 merapi
ankipro pyroclastic flows at speeds of up to 100 km (62 mi) per hour
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how many people died for DRC 2021 Nyiragongo eruption
at least 32 died
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how many people died for .
353 people were killed during the eruptions, many as a result of pyroclastic flows.
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!
No, the 2021 eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in the DRC was primarily characterized by lava flows, not pyroclastic flows
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2018 hawaii pyroclastic flows?
none
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DRC (2021) - mitigating against vulnerability
- UNOPS weekly radio program to raise awareness about the dangers of volcanoes - 2002 eruption made people more aware of risks (250 deaths), making them more likely to follow evacuation. orders. lived experience - 2 reasons Nyiragongo erupted without warning did not give off warning signs as erupted close to ceiling, volcano observatory had a lack of funding and equipment stolen
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DRC (2021) - mitigating against losses
- Congolese authorities ordered the mass evacuation of 400,000 residents in fears of a limnic eruption - DRC Red Cross mobilised volunteers and built 500 temporary shelters - Unifcef installed 15 emergency water purification stations to prevent cholera spread heavy relience on aid
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DRC (2021) - mitigating against the event
no credible attempt to mitigate against the eventand no attempt to relocate the nearby city goma
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What increased the volnurability of the DRC goma population
3 characteristics of the City of Goma itself which increases its vulnerability to eruptions - surrounded by vegetation, increasing wildfire risk - densely populated, with a lack of road networks for evacuations - Lake Kivu limits possible escape routes
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characterist of nyirigonge eruption
- erupts effusively (gently) - releases low viscosity (very runny) lava that travels at fast speeds
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tectonic=
earthquakes and volcanoes
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What are the characteristics of the inner core?
- around 2414 km thick. - primarily of iron and nickel. - solid - 5,200° Celsius
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What are the characteristics of the outer core?
- Primarily iron and nickelaround - 2,200 kilometers - 4,500 to 5,500 degrees Celsius - Liquid
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Temp of asthenosphere
ankipro 1,300°C more fluid than lithosphere
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temp of lithosphere
ankipro 300-500°C.
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What does the lithosphere include?
uppermost part of mantle and crust
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label the plates
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Social impacts of japan earthquake (2011)
ankipro Some 15,894 people died, and 26,152 people were injured. 131,000 people were displaced300 hospitals destroyed, 11 destroyed
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facts about nepal
- Nepal is situated in the middle of the collision zone where the Indo-Australian plate meets the Eurasian place in a convergent collision boundary - As the plates collide, pressures build up and energy is released as earthquakes - A 7.8Mw EQ occurred on 25th April 2015 due to a slip along the main frontal thrust fault in the collision zone - The epicentre was 90km northeast of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal - shallow focus: The focus was only eight kilometres deep
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political impacts of japan 2011
Fukushima disaster suggested that Japan’s fifty-four nuclear reactors--most along the coastline--could suffer the same fate.This caused a political uproar as Japan was slandered for using nuclear energysparked global political discussion of the use of nucleur energy
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4.b. Analysis (extent of impacts) (Nepal)
- Nepal's economic impacts were felt more globally, as the call for international aid was required - As Nepal is more heavily reliant on agriculture, the environmental impacts hit the country harder - Poorer infrastructure and connectivity meant people were not prepared and aid was harder to get to certain areas - As the population density is nearly half of that of Japan, the concentration of people impacted was less
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4.b. Analysis (extent of impacts) (Japan)
- The economic impacts for Japan were more severe, due to the higher level of built-up areas impacted and the concentration of expensive infrastructure and buildings - The newer technologies of Fukushima brought a widespread disaster on a larger, global scale - The political backlash was exaggerated as the Fukushima disaster was international news - However, Japan was able to source money for itself instead of requiring international aid due to its AC status, reducing the global impact - The impact on people was widespread, however this was mainly due to the tsunami and not the initial EQ - Despite good education and preparation schemes, not much could have been done to reduce lives lost from the tsunami, as even the 10m wall in Miyako subsided and let water through
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what plates involved with 2017 mexico earthquake
ankipro Cocos plate and North American plate, cocos (oceanic plate)
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social impacts of mexico earthquake 2017
ankipro 370 people died6011 people injured many multi-story buildings collapsed, while more than 20,000 homes, schools, and hospitals were damaged. Damage to cultural sites could reach $440 million
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economic impact of 2017 mexico
ankipro Mexico lost an estimated $160 million in economic production due to the September 2017 earthquaketotal losses from the 2017 earthquake were valued at $2.476 billion (0.15 percent of GDP).
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Facts on mexico earthquake 2017
ankipro 7.1 Mw and strong shaking for about 20 seconds.epicenter about 55 km (34 mi) south of the city of Puebla, Mexicoshallow focus: only 50km down
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environmental impact of 2017 mexico
ankipro A 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Chiapas-Oaxaca region, causing significant environmental effects such as surface faulting, landslides, and potential impacts on ecosystems.
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political impact of 2017 mexico
ankipro a significant drop in political trustGovernment Response Criticized: Many criticized the government's slow and ineffective response, with accusations of deploying professional rescue workers too late, relying on volunteers for shelters, failing to distribute donations, and preventing citizens from reaching those in need"Critical Juncture" and Democratization: The earthquake triggered a "critical juncture" that contributed to the end of a presidentially appointed regent for Mexico City and led to a popularly elected mayor, democratizing the municipal government.
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What types of evidence are there for continental drift and plate tectonics?
continental fit glacial deposits geological sequences fossil evidence paleomagnetism
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How does sea floor spreading proof of the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics.
sea floor spreading explains Wegener's idea of the break up of Pangea and the subsequent drift of continentsplates were moved by sea-floor spreading from the mid-ocean ridges to subduction at ocean trenches
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evidence of the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics from ancient glaciations (add on)
- Wegener examines the location of tiny rocks and the direction of grooves formed by large glaciers scraping across southern areas of Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and India. - He concludes that if all these places were fitted together, they would form a continuous ice sheet expanding outward in all directions.
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Describe an ocean trench
usually asymmetrical, long, narrow depressions with depths of 6000 to 11000m
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Describe how island arcs form
(ONLY oceanic-oceanic plate convergent boundary) - e.g. Mariana trench - slightly older and therefore denser plate will subduct forming an ocean trench - movement accelerated by slab pull - as plate descends volatiles causes partial melting in the overriding mantle. - The magma rises to the surface, and island form by explosive eruptions
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Plates involved with mariana islands (arc) and mariana trench
the downgoing plate is called the Pacific Plate, and the overriding plate is the Philippine Sea Plate
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Features that form at continental-continental convergent boundary (destructive)
.
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What is a hazard?
Any object, situation, or behaviour, that has the potential to cause injury, ill health, or damage to life, property or the environment.
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Richter scale
Measure of energy released on a logarithmic scale (each whole number represents a 10-fold increase in amplitude).Largest record quakes are magnitude of around 9. Damage is determined by magnitude but also by population density and level of preparedness Advantages: - Logarithmic - Objective - Based on ground movement, so is more accurate and scientific Disadvantages: - Only accurate for magnitudes between 3 and 7 - Can only calculate it with a seismogram and a known distance from the epicentre
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Moment magnitude scale (Mw)
Measures energy released more accurately than Richter.Measures amount of movement of the ground - a direct function of energy.Accurate for large earthquakes but not useful for smaller ones.
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Modified Mercalli Scale (MMS)
- Qualitative measure of damage experienced related to ground movement (impacts felt and seen by people). - Attempts to measure both intensity and impact. - Based on observation and description. Advantages: - No specialist equipment or training required - Quick and easy - Used to quickly identify areas for assistance Disadvantages - Subjective - Score would be much greater in a city compared to the countryside for the same earthquake - Inaccurate
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Describe the movement of tectonic plates at a constructive boundary
-Convection currents cause the crust to dome and pull apart. -Partial melting causes magma to rise. -Shield volcanoes form in the Rift Valley. The crust stretches and thins, forming step-down faults, which may rotate, forming peaks or escarpments. Basaltic (runny) lava flows through the rift and forms new ocean crust through effusive eruptions, and pillow lava forms.As more lava is added, the sea floor spreads causing continents to move further apart. - Hydrothermal vents create black smokers.
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How does the spreading of plates cause earthquakes at constructive margins?
Step-down faultsSmall, shallow-focus earthquakes occur along their lengths as they slip.
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What is an escarpmemt?
escarpment is a steep slope or long cliff that forms as a result of faulting or erosion and separates two relatively level areas having different elevations.
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What is the volcanic explosively index?
A measurement used to rank and compare different volcanic eruptions using:- volume of erupted material.- height the ejected material reaches.- duration in hours.- qualitative descriptions ('gentle', 'mega-colossal').
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size of yellowstone
approx 50 by 70 kilometers
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Why do constructive boundaries have shield volcanoes?
Lava flows far which forms low, gently sloping volcanoes.Runny basic lava erupts gently.Less viscous lava flows far (flows easily).Creates wide, gently sloping volcanoes.This type of volcano is built entirely of fluid lava flows - the highly fluid lava causes the accumulation of broad sheets of lava
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What is the shape of shield volcano
broad, gently sloping profiles, resembling a flattened dome
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Describe the movement of tectonic plates at a oceanic-continental convergent boundary (subduction margin)
1. Plates converge due to convection currents.2. The more dense oceanic crust subducts beneath the less dense continental crust.3. Friction from plates rubbing together heats plates. Water from the ocean helps crust melt forming viscous acidic magma. Pressure builds up in the Benioff zone of earthquakes, causing high magnitude earthquakes at a variety of depths.4. Magma rises through the gaps in the continental crust (viscous lava has explosive eruptions).5. Slab pull pulls subducting plate faster, and ridge pull increases as you get closer to the subduction zone.Volcanoes and fold mountains are formed near the edge of continental crust.
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the features and processes associated with convergent plate boundaries including oceanic-continental
deep ocean trench, e.g. Peru-Chile Trench, oceanic Nazca Plate subducts beneath the continental South American Plate, 8,065 meter below sea level Strato volcanofold mountains The Andes Mountains are a prime example of fold mountains, formed by the collision of the Nazca (oceanic plate) and South American tectonic plate (continental)
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What is sea-floor spreading?
Lateral movement of new oceanic crust away from a mid-ocean ridge (constructive plate boundary).
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Describe the movement of tectonic plates at collision margins
.
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Parts of an earthquake focus, epicentre, seismic waves, fault line
Focus point at which seismic waves originate from (point where stress is released).Epicentre directly above the focus on the surface (where most severe impacts will be).Seismic waves energy released travels as waves, in the form of S waves or P waves.Fault line where movement in plates occur.
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types of hazards generated by earthquakes
- ground shaking and ground displacement - liquefaction - landslides and avalanches - tsunamis associated with sea-bed uplift and underwater landslides - flooding
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Nepal avalanches impact
ankipro Nepal 2015 - precipitated a large rock–ice avalanche in the Langtang Valley. The resultant air blasts obliterated the Langtang village, a nearby forest, and led to the tragic loss of over 350 lives
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nepal earthquake 2015 landslides
2015 triggered over 21,000 landslides over an area of more than 25,000 km2. These landslides contributed to mass wasting, partially compensating the tectonic uplift by the earthquake. increased by monsoon season rainfall
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flooding causes by earthquakes
Tsunamis: Underwater earthquakes, particularly those occurring along tectonic plate boundaries, can displace large volumes of water, generating tsunamis. When these waves reach coastal areas, they can inundate land and cause significant flooding. Dam Failure: Earthquakes can damage or destroy dams, leading to the sudden release of water. The resulting flood can be catastrophic, especially if the dam failure occurs upstream of populated areas. Ground Shaking: The shaking from an earthquake can cause landslides, particularly in hilly or mountainous regions. These landslides can block rivers, creating temporary dams. If these natural dams fail, they can release large amounts of water downstream, causing flooding.
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flooding causes by earthquakes example
New Zealand 2016: A landslide blocked the Clarence River, causing flooding. Ten farms were evacuated
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tsunami earthquakes example
Japan 2011
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*Ground shaking and ground displacement* example
nepal 2015 - Over 500,000 houses were destroyed and another 269,000 damaged
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Lava flows volcanic hazard
primarly composed of Basic (Basaltic)Lava is free-flowing and can run for considerable distances. Hawaii 2018, lava flows destroyed over 700 homes and devastating residential areas in the Puna District.Everything in the path of lava is burned/buried destroying infrastructure/properties/crops.Rarely causes injuries/fatalities because people can escape the flow, it is more the secondary impacts due to infrastructure damage. It is therefore one of the least significant hazards. In EDCs, the lava flows can also be diverted in order to protect infrastructure.
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Hazards associated with volcano
lava flows, pyroclastic flows, gas emissions, tephra and ash lahars and flooding associated with the melting of ice tsunamis associated with explosive eruption.
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flooding associated with melting of ice for volcano example
Iceland 1996Volcano north of Grímsvötn lake belonging to the Vatnajökull glacier erupted. The resulting jökulhlaup reached a flow rate of 50,000 cubic metres per second, and destroyed parts of the Ring Road.
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jökulhlaup
type of glacial outburst flood.
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type of glacial outburst flood.
jökulhlaup
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Give an example of an escarpment
The Elgeyo Escarpment, part of Kenyas Great Rift Valley, was formed by faulting millions of years ago
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Describe the changes in the frequency of tectonic hazards over time
Tectonic processes remain constant, meaning earthquakes and volcanic activity occur at roughly the same rates over time.
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Describe the changes in the impact of tectonic hazards over time (NOT modern history)
Over history the impact of tectonic hazards has overall increased:More people live in hazard-prone areas (e.g., along fault lines, near volcanoes, and coastal regions).Climate change has increased the likelihood of certain hazards caused by tectonic hazards, e.g. laharsTectonic hazards result global supply chain disruptions, which have worldwide consequences due to the increased interdependence of countries for goods, including necessities, e.g. food, as a result of globalisationsincreased variation in severity of mainly long-term impacts depending on development and financial resources of countries to respond to hazard. Short-term also effected, e.g. building codes and building collapse
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Over history the impact of tectonic hazards has overall increased:More people live in hazard-prone areas (e.g., along fault lines, near volcanoes, and coastal regions).Climate change has increased the likelihood of certain hazards caused by tectonic hazards, e.g. laharsTectonic hazards result global supply chain disruptions, which have worldwide consequences due to the increased interdependence of countries for goods, including necessities, e.g. food, as a result of globalisationsincreased variation in severity of mainly long-term impacts depending on development and financial resources of countries to respond to hazard. Short-term also effected, e.g. building codes and building collapse
Describe the changes in the impact of tectonic hazards over time (NOT modern history)
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Describe the changes in the impact of tectonic hazards over recent history
over the past 50 years there has been an increase in the number of disasters due to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, which currently averages at around 30 a year. argues for decrease: Methods to mitigate against the vulnerability have improved significantly in terms of warning systems, building design, community preparedness, evacuation plans etc.- Globalisation has aided the delivery of aid and the spread of seismic-related technologies, minimising the losses.- In the past 20 years, there have been no volcanic eruptions resulting in a death toll >500.arguments for increase: Population growth means more people are living in vulnerable areas (e.g. the population density in Port-au-Prince was >80,000 people/km^2).
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over the past 50 years there has been an increase in the number of disasters due to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, which currently averages at around 30 a year. argues for decrease: Methods to mitigate against the vulnerability have improved significantly in terms of warning systems, building design, community preparedness, evacuation plans etc.- Globalisation has aided the delivery of aid and the spread of seismic-related technologies, minimising the losses.- In the past 20 years, there have been no volcanic eruptions resulting in a death toll >500.arguments for increase: Population growth means more people are living in vulnerable areas (e.g. the population density in Port-au-Prince was >80,000 people/km^2).
Describe the changes in the impact of tectonic hazards over recent history
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Explain the park model
Stage 1: Occurs prior to the event and shows that quality of life is at its normal equilibrium level.Stage 2: Where the hazard occurs and, again, at this point quality of life is at normal level.Stage 3: Where the event has happened and search and rescue is underway. Quality of life drops at this stage and stays low for several hours up to several days depending on the severity of the hazard and the level of development of the region/country.Stage 4: Where relief strategies are underway and there is an organised programme of help. It can take a variable amount of time, from hours and days to weeks and months to reach this stage, but quality of life improves at this time.Stage 5: Refers to long term human response; rebuilding and restoring normality. Quality of life returns to normal and in some cases can be higher than it was originally; especially if the repairs improve on the old infrastructure etc
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What is the disaster risk equation?
Risk = frequency of magnitude of hazard x level vulnerability / capacity to cope and adapt
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Risk = frequency of magnitude of hazard x level vulnerability / capacity to cope and adapt
What is the disaster risk equation?
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What factors influence the response to a disaster?
physical factors of hazard and external factors (earthquake/volcano characteristic, characteristics of weather (lahars) terrain,)human factors: built terrain (building codes, no building allowed in certain areas), degree of preperation of gov and individuals (hawaii disaster packs), quality and quantity of relief, etc.
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Define hazard
A natural event (for example earthquake, volcanic eruption, tropical storm, flood) that threatens people or has the potential to cause damage, destruction and death
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Define disaster
Hazards that create serious disruptions and damage
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Describe the contrast in risk between earthquakes and volcanoes
there is a large difference between the top ten most serious earthquakes vs volcanic eruption in terms of deaths by country.
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there is a large difference between the top ten most serious earthquakes vs volcanic eruption in terms of deaths by country.
Describe the contrast in risk between earthquakes and volcanoes
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What was the death tolls for the two largest earthquakes by deaths in a country since 2000
haiti 2010 : 300,000 indonesia 2004: 230,000
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haiti 2010 : 300,000 indonesia 2004: 230,000
What was the death tolls for the two largest earthquakes by deaths in a country since 2000
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What was the death tolls for the two largest volcanic eruptions by deaths in a country since 2000
Indonesia 2010: 322 DRC 2002: 200
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Indonesia 2010: 322 DRC 2002: 200
What was the death tolls for the two largest volcanic eruptions by deaths in a country since 2000
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How has Japan attempted to mitigate against vulnerability to seismic events?
The JMA helps in the creation of mitigation strategies for natural disasters, as it is responsible for providing information and warnings of impending earthquakes and tsunamisBuildings with aseismic designs created - e.g steel frames and braces capable of moving without collapsing, rubber shock absorbers in foundations, very deep foundations into solid rock,a soft storey at the bottom of tall buildings (allowing upper floors to sink down onto it instead of collapsing), counterweights on roofs to stop swaying, suspension bridges capable of movement rather than rigid cantilever design, flexible joints in utility pipesTsunami warning systems across the coast, The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings three minutes after the earthquake.fire-proofing older wooden buildings, which are common in historic districts of Japanese citiesCommunity preparedness - ongoing education and training for all ages - annual training in schools and businesses"
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How has Nepal attempted to mitigate against vulnerability to seismic events?
Mapping of high risk zonesBuilding code introduced in 2003Encouraging households to have a 'go bag' containing items useful in an earthquake emergency, e.g dried foods, bottles of water, water purification tablets, whistleo enhance earthquake preparedness in Nepal, particularly among children and communities, educational programs like "Seismology at School in Nepal" and National Earthquake Safety Day (NESD)
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How has Nepal attempted to mitigate against losses to seismic events?
330 humanitarian organisations involved in the aftermath of the 2015 Ghorka EQ such as NGO's like Red Crosscountries such as Indonesia, Japan or the UK, and supranational organisations such as the Asian Development Bank, or UN - helped with search and rescue and economic recoveryIndia and China provided over $1 billion of international aid. The UK provided over 100 search and rescue responders, medics, and disaster and rescue experts, as well as three Chinook helicopters for the Nepali government.
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How has Japan attempted to mitigate against losses to seismic events?
Rescue workers and around 100,000 members of the Japan Self-Defence Force were dispatched to help with search and rescue operations within hours of the tsunami hitting the coast.The government declared a 20 km evacuation zone around the Fukushima nuclear power plant to reduce the threat of radiation exposure to local residents.international aid e.g. international help from US armyHundreds of thousands of people who had lost their homes were evacuated to temporary shelters in schools and other public buildings or relocated to other areas.Many evacuees came from the exclusion zone surrounding the Fukushima nuclear power plant. After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdown, those in the area had their radiation levels checked, and their health monitored to ensure they did not receive dangerous exposure to radiation. Many evacuated from the area around the nuclear power plant were given iodine tablets to reduce the risk of radiation poisoning.
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How has Mexico attempted to mitigate against losses to seismic events?
Mexican military, police, and emergency services deployed for search operations. Los Topos (volunteer rescue teams) played a key role in rescuing survivors. International teams from the U.S., Japan, Israel, and other countries assisted.Emergency medical teams set up field hospitals. Thousands of injured received medical care in hospitals.Volunteers and organizations provided food, water, and shelter.Direct Relief arrived in Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca, with shipments of medication, gauze, surgical gloves, and other needed supplies.
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How did Mexico attempted to mitigate against vulnerability to seismic events?
Mexico City Building Code (after 1985 earthquake):Introduced stricter construction regulations for earthquake-resistant structures.Required reinforced concrete and flexible designs to absorb seismic shocks.Regular inspections for public buildings and critical infrastructure.Retrofitting Older Structures: Some efforts were made to strengthen older buildings, but enforcement was inconsistent. Earthquake Early Warning System (SASMEX) Implemented in 1991 after the devastating 1985 earthquake.Used seismic sensors along the Pacific coast to detect earthquakes and send alerts before strong shaking reached cities.Warnings were broadcast via radio, TV, and loudspeakers in Mexico City.Limitations: The system had gaps, and some areas did not receive adequate warnings before the 2017 quake.
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How has Nepal attempted to mitigate against the event?
cannot mitigate shaking
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How has Japan attempted to mitigate against the event?
cannot mitigate against energy released. However a tsunami entering land can be mitigated, so can mitigate flooding.tsunami event: Dikes, dams, and other structures are regarded as core measures in disaster risk manage- ment in Japan.Seawalls were primarily designed to protect against tsunamis based on the 1960 Chilean earthquake tsunami, which had waves reaching 3-6 meters. The seawalls were designed to divert tsunamis to the side around the town using channels and river dykes.land use zoning that provided open spaces where people could assemble after disaster
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How has Mexico attempted to mitigate against the event
not possible to mitigate against the energy released
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What are the features of an explosive eruption
rocks, dust, gas and pyroclastic material up to 20 km into the atmosphere at a rate of up to 100,000 tonnes per second, traveling at several hundred meters per second. This cloud will then collapse, creating a pyroclastic flow of hot volcanic matter
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rocks, dust, gas and pyroclastic material up to 20 km into the atmosphere at a rate of up to 100,000 tonnes per second, traveling at several hundred meters per second. This cloud will then collapse, creating a pyroclastic flow of hot volcanic matter
What are the features of an explosive eruption
272
How does an effusive eruption occur?
A volcanic eruption is effusive when low-viscosity magma, usually basaltic in composition, is released from the Earth's crust. In an effusive eruption, gas escapes the magma as it erupts and forms lava that flows downhill continuously. This type of lava flow can build shield volcanoes, which are numerous in Hawaii.
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A volcanic eruption is effusive when low-viscosity magma, usually basaltic in composition, is released from the Earth's crust. In an effusive eruption, gas escapes the magma as it erupts and forms lava that flows downhill continuously. This type of lava flow can build shield volcanoes, which are numerous in Hawaii.
How does an effusive eruption occur?
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East african rift valley
formation: due to continental rifting, where the African plate is splitting into two, causing the crust to stretch and thin, leading to magma rising to the surface and forming volcanic activityfeatures: shield volcanoes like Erta Ale with a lava lake, as well as stratovolcanoes and volcanic fields
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formation: due to continental rifting, where the African plate is splitting into two, causing the crust to stretch and thin, leading to magma rising to the surface and forming volcanic activityfeatures: shield volcanoes like Erta Ale with a lava lake, as well as stratovolcanoes and volcanic fields
East african rift valley
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What type of volcanoes form at hot spots?
shield and stratoe.g. El Teide on Tenerife in the Canary islands, most recently erupted in 1990, is a strato volcano
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hazard profile for different tectonic hazards: magnitude
highest: tsunamimedium: earthquakelowest: eruption
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hazard profile for different tectonic hazards: speed of onset
fastest: earthquakemedium: tsunamislowest: eruption
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hazard profile for different tectonic hazards: areal extent
most dispersed: tsunami/earthquakemost clustered: eruption
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hazard profile for different tectonic hazards: duration
longest: eruptionmedium: tsunamishortest: earthquake
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hazard profile for different tectonic hazards: frequency
highest: tsunamimedium: earthquakelowest: eruption
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hazard profile for different tectonic hazards: spatial predictability
more precise: eruptionrandom: tsunami/earthquake
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why are volcanoes rarely big killers (4)
- Fewer people live around volcanoes- Volcanoes have a slower speed of onset and show pre-cursory warning signs, giving people time to react and respond.- Volcanic eruptions have minimal spatial variability with typically much more localised impacts.- International trade/aid ensures people have sufficient food/medicine to save lives that were previously lost to famine and disease.
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2015 statistic on how many people live near volcanoes
440mn people live near 1 of 120 dangerous volcanoes, and yet 2.7bn people live in seismic areas
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mini case studies of deadly volcanic eruptions (3)
- The 1783 eruption of Laki killed >20% of Iceland's population by famine/disease with 8 months of lava and noxious gas emissions killed 60% of livestock.- The upcoming election in Martinique meant the government did not prepare/warn the population prior to the 1902 eruption of Mt Pelee, resulting in 32,000 being suffocated.- Armero, Colombia, was build in the path of an old lager, which paired with a slow reaction to the 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz resulted in 23,000 people being killed by a lahar.
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relationship between disaster and response: unexpected as a disaster characteristic
this will delay the response and make coordination poorer
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relationship between disaster and response: long duration as a disaster characteristic (2)
- This delays the response since relief workers cannot go into hazardous/dangerous areas.- It also prolongs evacuations and the associated issues (e.g. lack of sanitation).
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relationship between disaster and response: high $ costs as a disaster characteristic
this means there is less money to invest in response and rebuilding, increase the recovery time and the reliance on external aid
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relationship between disaster and response: large areal extent as a disaster characteristic
this requires more coordination in lots of places, making the response more complex (and likely to go wrong) since areas will need to be prioritised
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relationship between disaster and response: high magnitude as a disaster characteristic
the more severe the hazards, the more overwhelmed the response and therefore the longer the recovery time
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relationship between disaster and response: rapid onset as a disaster characteristic
this means there is less time to mitigate against the event and prepare, meaning there is a more rapid decline in quality of life
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vulnerability definition
the extent to which a community, structure, service or geographic area is likely to be damaged/disrupted by the impact of a particular hazard
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risk definition
the probability of a hazard causing harmful consequences
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capacity to cope definition
the physical, economic, social and institutional ways in which a society has strength and resources to reduce the risk/vulnerability of a disaster
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exposure definition
the state of having no social, economic, political or physical protection from something harmful
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resilience definition
the ability of a community to maintain certain functions, processes and populations after experiencing a disturbance
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mitigation definition
about reducing/preventing the effects of something from happening (i.e. reducing the risk)
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Swiss Cheese Model
- The risk of a threat becoming a reality is mitigated by different types of defence that are "layered" behind each other.- Therefore a lapse/weakness should in theory not materialise unless the 'holes' align.
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possible future strategies to cope with the risks from earthquakes (3)
- Infrastructure design- Robots- Randoseru bags
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infrastructure design as a possible future strategy to cope with earthquake risks (2)
- The University of Nevada is developing earthquake-resistant bridge connections which they are design with 22-metre long bridge models and magnitude 8.0 earthquake simulations.- They are also looking at bridge columns made from metal alloys that dissipate energy without making the bridge permanently bend.
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robots as a possible future strategy to cope with earthquake risks (2)
- DARPA have developed robots that can run at 30mph, jump over obstacles and lift heavy objects.- This makes them ideal for quickly sending supplies across unstable terrain (e.g. Nepal)
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Randoseru bags as a possible future strategy to cope with earthquake risks (2)
- These are sturdy leather backpacks used by Japanese primary school children since these bags can protect them from falling debris during an earthquake.- These bags have also become fashion staples/souvenirs for people of all ages with the new Otana Randoseru Large 003 having longer straps for adults and able to hold 15" laptops for commuters.
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possible future strategies to cope with the risks from volcanoes (3)
- Smartphone technology- Drones- Protecting aviation
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smartphone technology as a possible future strategy to cope with volcano risks (2)
- Scientists have found ways to use smartphone cameras to measure the release of volcanic gases since as gas emissions increase, they absorb UV light, making camera images appear darker.- This technology (e.g. Raspberry Pi) is >95% cheaper than previous monitoring methods and is used in countries such as Italy and Chile.
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drones as a possible future strategy to cope with volcano risks (1)
specially-adapted drones developed by Cambridge University allow close-range measurements of previously inaccessible, hazardous volcanoes; transforming how we forecast eruptions
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protecting aviation as a possible future strategy to cope with volcano risks (3)
- Newly defined 'safe limits' of ash in the air better estimate what levels of ash aircrafts can fly in, minimising flight disruptions.- Communication centres have been established to advise/inform the public during future air space closures to avoid confusion/delay.- Ash dispersion models (e.g. using AshCam which is small, cheap and light) help forecast ash concentrations during an eruption to predict which airspaces will close.
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features of effusive explosions
divergentbasic lava, so low silica content, low viscosity, higher temperature at eruptionlimited explosive forcegas, lava flowsmore frequency of eruption that explosivegently sloping sides, shield volcano, lava plateaux when eruption from multiple fissures
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divergentbasic lava, so low silica content, low viscosity, higher temperature at eruptionlimited explosive forcegas, lava flowsmore frequency of eruption that explosivegently sloping sides, shield volcano, lava plateaux when eruption from multiple fissures
features of effusive explosions
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what is a lava plateaux?
a large, flat, elevated area formed by extensive lava flows, that cover a pre-existing landscape over time, resulting in a high, level area
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a large, flat, elevated area formed by extensive lava flows, that cover a pre-existing landscape over time, resulting in a high, level area
what is a lava plateaux?
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significance of tephra
A significant hazard due to the long term damage it causes to infrastructure.
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basic lava example
Hawaii (July 2015) lava flow extended for 20km without stopping.
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)Measures energy released more accurately than Richter. Measures amount of movement of the groun
modified magnitude scale
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environment efffect of japan
400km stretch of coastline dropped 0.6m vertically. Honshu island moves 2.4m east.
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soil liquification japan
Japan 2011 earthquake - soil liquefaction occurred over a large area. Some 27,000 structures sank or tilted, causing massive damage