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Reducing the Impact of Earthquakes & Volcanoes | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

The ways to minimize the effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can be categorized as short term or long term responses.

  • Short term responses occur immediately after an event, encompassing aid delivery and disaster relief efforts.
  • Long term responses are geared towards lessening the impact of future hazard events, involving risk evaluations and hazard mapping.

Earthquakes - long term responses

  • While accurately predicting earthquakes remains a challenge, monitoring efforts play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of seismic activity.
  • Various methods are employed to monitor earthquakes and explore potential prediction strategies:
    • Tiltmeters: These devices track ground movements, providing insights into potential seismic shifts.
    • Clusters of Small Earthquakes: Monitoring small seismic events can offer valuable data on larger earthquake patterns.
    • Changes in Radon Gas Emissions: Fluctuations in radon gas levels can sometimes indicate seismic activity.
    • Changes in Animal Behavior: Observing how animals react to environmental changes can offer early earthquake warnings.
    • Remote Sensing Using Satellites: Satellite technology aids in monitoring ground movements and seismic precursors from a distance.
  • In developed nations, architectural practices and engineering solutions are commonly employed to mitigate earthquake impact.
  • Building regulations mandate the inclusion of earthquake-resistant features in new constructions:
    • Shutters on Windows: Installing protective shutters helps prevent glass from shattering during seismic events.
    • Cross-Bracing of Steel Frames: Strengthening structures with cross-bracing enhances their resilience against tremors.
    • Flexible Building Materials: Using materials that can withstand seismic stressors improves building durability.
    • Foundations Sunk Deep: Buildings anchored in the bedrock are more stable during earthquakes.
    • Frames Designed to Sway: Structures with flexible frames can better absorb earthquake vibrations.
    • Rubber Shock Absorbers: Integration of shock-absorbing materials reduces tremors transmitted through buildings.
    • Reinforcement of Walls and Pillars: Strengthening key structural elements like walls and pillars enhances overall stability.
    • Shatterproof Glass: Installing reinforced glass minimizes the risk of breakage during seismic events.
    • Fire-Resistant Materials: Using fire-resistant materials helps prevent additional hazards post-earthquake.
    • Automatic Gas/Electricity Cut-off: Automated systems that shut off gas and electricity minimize fire risks.
  • Regular earthquake drills conducted in many countries
  • Drills aiding individuals in preparing for earthquake responses to ensure personal safety
  • Education on home preparation reducing the risk of injuries from falling objects

Volcanoes and earthquakes - long term responses

  • Planning in areas prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions involves utilizing various strategies to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable development.
  • In vulnerable areas:
    • Remote sensing, like through Sentinel 1 satellites, offers crucial insights into ground movements, aiding in risk assessment and monitoring.
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a pivotal role by providing detailed data layers on 
      • Vulnerable Areas
      • Land Use
      • Infrastructure such as Roads
    • GIS Data Usage in Land Use Planning
    • Land Use Planning
      • Mapping of Areas Most at Risk from Earthquakes
      • Ensuring Services like Fire Stations and Hospitals are Away from High-Risk Zones
      • Locating Densely Populated Housing Away from High-Risk Areas

Case Study: Nepal

  • Nepal, positioned between China and India, stands out as one of the world's most impoverished nations, boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita below $1000.
  • The country is landlocked, limiting its accessibility to maritime trade routes and impacting its economic development.
  • By 2015, a significant 80% of Nepal's populace resided in rural regions, often isolated and distant from urban centers.
  • In April 2015, at 11.26 am, Nepal faced a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale.
  • The earthquake's epicenter was situated 80 km northwest of Kathmandu, specifically in the Gorka district.
  • Notably, the earthquake's focal point was shallow, merely 15 km beneath the earth's surface, triggering over 300 subsequent aftershocks.
  • Location of Nepal Earthquake:
    Reducing the Impact of Earthquakes & Volcanoes | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Causes

  • Nepal is situated at a convergent boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, leading to seismic activities like earthquakes.

Impact of the Disaster

  • Approximately 9000 deaths
  • Over 20,000 people injured
  • Electricity and water supplies disrupted
  • 7000 schools and 1000 health facilities damaged or destroyed
  • Almost 3.5 million people left homeless
  • Offices, shops, and factories destroyed, affecting livelihoods
  • UNESCO world heritage sites and temples destroyed
  • Loss of tourist income, a significant source of revenue
  • Avalanches on Mount Everest and in the Langtang Valley
  • Landslides blocking roads and rivers
  • Estimated damages between $7 and $10 billion, around 35% of the GDP

Relief Efforts

  • Donations of money and aid totaling $3 billion from around the world
  • Specific aid in the form of temporary shelters, medicines, food, water, clothing, search and rescue teams, and medical staff
  • 90% of the Nepalese army mobilized for assistance
  • Tent cities established in Kathmandu for the homeless
  • Utilization of GIS crisis mapping tool for effective coordination
  • $3 million grant provided by the Asian Development Bank for emergency relief

Emergency Response to Nepal Earthquake

  • Provision of Immediate Support:
    • Provision of temporary shelters for the affected population
    • Distribution of essential medicines to medical facilities
    • Supply of food and clean drinking water to ensure basic sustenance
    • Distribution of clothing to protect from the elements
    • Deployment of search and rescue teams to locate and aid survivors
    • Mobilization of medical staff to provide healthcare services
  • Assistance from the Nepalese Army:
    • 90% of the Nepalese army was activated to assist in the relief efforts
    • Establishment of tent cities in Kathmandu to accommodate displaced individuals
  • Utilization of Technology for Coordination:
    • Implementation of a GIS crisis mapping tool to coordinate the response effectively
  • Financial Aid and Reconstruction:
    • Emergency relief grant of $3 million from the Asian Development Bank
    • Allocation of $200 million by the Asian Development Bank for reconstruction efforts
  • Rehabilitation and Preparedness Measures:
    • Clearing of landslides and repair of roads to restore access to remote communities
    • Reconstruction of schools to ensure continuity of education
    • Introduction of earthquake drills to educate people on safety measures
    • Implementation of stricter building codes with enhanced enforcement
    • Formation of a government task force to strategize for future earthquake events

Question for Reducing the Impact of Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Try yourself:
Which method is used to monitor potential seismic shifts by tracking ground movements?
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Case Study: La Palma

  • La Palma, a part of the Canary Islands, is situated in the Atlantic Ocean near North Africa.
  • The Canary Islands form an autonomous region of Spain.
  • There are a total of 33 volcanoes in the Canary Islands, with 10 of them located in La Palma.
  • La Palma has a population of approximately 85,000 residents.
  • In September 2021, the eruption of the Cumbre Viejo volcano on La Palma began and lasted for nearly three months.
  • The eruption was classified between VEI 2 to VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
  • Location of Cumbre Viejo Volcano:
    Reducing the Impact of Earthquakes & Volcanoes | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Causes

  • La Palma and the other Canary Islands are situated on the African plate.
  • The islands form an archipelago resulting from a hot spot, not a plate boundary.
  • This implies that they are situated not at a tectonic plate boundary but rather above a magma plume.

Signs of eruption

  • Deformation of the mountain indicated magma rise a week before the eruption.
  • Between September 10-19, there was a significant 'earthquake swarm' with over 25,000 earthquakes.

Impact of the Eruption

  • More than 7,000 individuals were evacuated from their homes.
  • Close to 1,500 houses were destroyed by the lava flow.
  • Over 1,500 other structures like churches, shops, and schools were also destroyed.
  • The lava flow crossed the coastal highway, disrupting traffic.
  • Water supply was interrupted for nearly 3,000 people.
  • Approximately 400 hectares of banana farms were devastated.
  • Almost 1,300 hectares of land were affected by the eruption.
  • There was one fatality reported.
  • About 20,000 individuals experienced the eruption's effects.
  • Air traffic was disrupted, and damages amounted to €1 billion.

Immediate response

  • A warning was issued on September 13, leading to the evacuation of 40 people and livestock.
  • Following the eruption on September 19, an additional 1000 individuals were evacuated.
  • Over the subsequent weeks, 5600 more people were evacuated due to the escalating situation.
  • The alert level was raised to red, signifying the severity of the eruption.
  • Air traffic was temporarily halted to ensure public safety.
  • Ongoing monitoring of lava flow and gas emissions was conducted to protect the population.
  • Essential provisions such as food and shelter were provided to those displaced by the eruption.
  • An advanced payment of €5.4 million was donated by the EU to aid in recovery efforts.

Long term response

  • Spain pledged €400 million to support the reconstruction of La Palma following the disaster.
  • Prefabricated housing was erected for those left homeless, but many continued to reside in temporary accommodations months later.
  • Continuous monitoring of the volcano and others on La Palma was established to mitigate future risks.
  • Enhanced crisis management strategies have been implemented to better prepare for potential future eruptions.
The document Reducing the Impact of Earthquakes & Volcanoes | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 is a part of the Year 11 Course Geography for GCSE/IGCSE.
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FAQs on Reducing the Impact of Earthquakes & Volcanoes - Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

1. How can long term responses help reduce the impact of earthquakes and volcanoes?
Ans. Long term responses such as early warning systems, community preparedness programs, land-use planning, and infrastructure improvements can help mitigate the impact of earthquakes and volcanoes by reducing the risks and increasing the resilience of communities.
2. What are some examples of long term responses to earthquakes and volcanoes?
Ans. Examples of long term responses include building earthquake-resistant structures, monitoring volcanic activity, establishing evacuation plans, conducting drills, implementing building codes, and investing in disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
3. How did Nepal respond to the devastating earthquake in 2015?
Ans. Nepal responded to the 2015 earthquake by launching reconstruction programs, strengthening building codes, improving disaster preparedness, enhancing early warning systems, and promoting community resilience through education and training.
4. What are some ways to reduce the impact of earthquakes and volcanoes in vulnerable areas like La Palma?
Ans. Some ways to reduce the impact in vulnerable areas like La Palma include monitoring volcanic activity, developing evacuation plans, implementing building codes, investing in infrastructure improvements, conducting public awareness campaigns, and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
5. How can individuals and communities contribute to reducing the impact of earthquakes and volcanoes?
Ans. Individuals and communities can contribute by staying informed about risks, participating in preparedness activities, following safety guidelines, supporting mitigation efforts, volunteering in disaster response, and advocating for resilient policies and practices.
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