Tectonic case studies

Question 1

What tectonic event happened in 2004?

Answer 1

The Indian ocean boxing day earthquake and tsunami.

Question 2

What were the key facts about the 2004 indian ocean earthquake?

Answer 2

• Earthquake had a magnitude of 8-8.9 on Richter scale.
• Hypocentre depth of 10km below sea level.
• Destructive boundary between the Indo-Australian plate.
• Affected a densely populated location

Question 3

What were the key social impacts of the tsunami?

Answer 3

-Total death toll estimated at 228,000.
1.7 million were left homeless or displaced
.
-Widespread destruction; sewage, no clean water, disease, infrastructure demolished.

-Loss of tourism, many residents refuse to ever return.

Question 4

What were the key economic impacts of the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami?

Answer 4

• Communication links destroyed, relief aid was not easily reached.
• Port and airport damage reduces transport/accessibility.
• Loss of infrastructure/government pay out for victims.
• Many local businesses were destroyed, unemployment

Question 5

What were they key environmental impacts of the 2004 Indian tsunami?

Answer 5

-
Sewage/debris spread disease/injury.
Toxic gases/fumes/electricity lines were released causing fires.
-
Land became infertile, habitats and wildlife were wiped out.
-
Crops and yield were completely Destroyed.

Question 6

What was the effect of the indian ocean tsunami on sri lanka’s coastal workforce?

Answer 6

destroyed 60% of the fishing fleet