Effects of Earthquakes & Volcanoes | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Effects of Earthquakes & Volcanic Eruptions

The impacts of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can be categorized into:

• Primary hazards - these are a direct result of the earthquake or eruption
• Secondary hazards - these occur as a result of the primary effects

Factors affecting the impacts of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

• All earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are unique
• The impacts that they have depend on a range of factors, both human and physical

Effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

While earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have distinct characteristics, they share numerous similar impacts.
These impacts encompass:

• Loss of life and injury: This can occur immediately from collapsing structures or ash fall. Additionally, it may manifest in the days following the event due to issues like contaminated water or diseases.
• Collapse or destruction of buildings: This results in individuals being displaced, sometimes for extended periods, leading to homelessness.
• Impact on transport networks: Roads, bridges, and railways may suffer damage or be completely destroyed. This hinders the rapid delivery of aid to affected regions.
• Loss of jobs and businesses: The economy is adversely affected when manufacturing plants and offices are damaged or ruined.
• Loss of crops: This contributes to food shortages and adversely impacts the income of farmers.
• Damage to power and water supply: The availability of clean water is compromised when power and water infrastructure is damaged.
• Environmental damage: Destruction of vegetation and habitats, along with the effects on climate due to ash, are significant consequences.
• Closure of airports: Ash clouds pose a danger to jet engines, potentially causing engine failure. Consequently, flights are canceled for safety reasons.