Paper One Case Studies - Geophysical Hazards

Question 1

Haiti Earthquakes 2010

Answer 1

Magnitude 7.0, shallow focus.
23000+ deaths, weak infrastructure.
Human vulnerability: poor governance, poverty.
International aid, limited long-term success.

Question 2

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 2011

Answer 2

Magnitude of 9.0 - massive crisis, nuclear crisis.
Strong infrastructure reduced deaths.
High capacity of cope: strict building codes, early warning system.

Tsunami:
Advanced warning gave 10-30 minute warning.
Coastal defences: 10m+ waves over topped defences.

Question 3

Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004

Answer 3

Magnitude of 9.1, over 230000 deaths over 14 countries.
Lack of warning - increases vulnerability.
Global aid and later development of warning systems.

Question 4

Mountain in Republic of Congo 2002 and 2021

Answer 4

Lava flows destroyed 15% of Goma.
Poor preparedness and poverty worsened impacts.
Impacts:
High - risk population with little relocation opportunity.

Question 5

Mountain in Indonesia 2010

Answer 5

Stratovolcano: pyroclastic flows, 350 deaths.
Well managed evacuation, 300000 displaced.
Combination of traditional knowledge and monitoring for prediction.

Question 6

Venezuela 1999 - Mass Movements

Answer 6

Intense rainfall - debris flows.
30000+ deaths, informal settlements, unstable slopes.
Little preparedness, major infrastructure damage.

Question 7

USA Landslide, Oso 2014

Answer 7

Saturated soils + steep slopes collapsed.
43 deaths - signs not acted upon.
Zoning + hazard mapping to improve risk.

Question 8

Risks: Haiti vs Japan

Answer 8

Haiti: high vulnerability, low capacity therefore catastrophic impacts.
Japan: high exposure, but strong resilience, and planning.

Question 9

Alaska Thawing Permafrost

Answer 9

Increased landslides and coastal erosion.
Threatens indigenous communities and infrastructure.