Management of Tectonic Hazards (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Note
Exam code: 8035
Why people live in areas at risk
It is estimated that in 2025, 600 million people live in tectonically active areas
There are many economic advantages to living in tectonically active areas, particularly where there are volcanoes including:
Fertile soils:
The ash and cooled lava contain many minerals which lead to high yields of crops
Tourism:
Many people want to visit areas where there are active volcanoes, this increases the number of jobs available
Minerals and precious stones:
These can be mined and sold providing work for local people
Geothermal energy:
As the magma is closer to the surface the heat can be used to generate geothermal energy
Creating new land area:
Once the lava and ash have cooled, new land areas are formed
There are also social reasons for living in these areas, including:
People don't want to leave family and friends
They have always lived there and don't want to leave
As technologies and prediction improve people are also more confident that they are prepared for the hazard
Worked Example
Explain how living in areas that are at risk from a tectonic hazard(s) may have both advantages and disadvantages.
[6 marks]
Answer:
Many people live in areas which are vulnerable to tectonic hazards and there are both advantages and disadvantages of this. One advantage is that in these areas geothermal energy can be produced by using water heated by magma to create steam [K]. This allows people living nearby to access reliable, renewable energy and is used in many countries including Iceland and Japan [U]. An additional advantage is that the magma may contain valuable minerals such as gold [K]. These can increase job opportunities in mining and benefit the economy [U]. However, living in these areas can also have disadvantages. There is always the danger of volcanic eruption which can lead to loss of life and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure [K]. This means economic activity is reduced because businesses find it difficult to operate due to access for workers and products if roads are damaged [U].
Marking guidance
This is a 'Level of response' answer.
Each point made in the answer does not equal a mark.
Mark allocation
3 marks for knowledge [K]
3 marks for understanding [U]
The command word is 'explain' so the response should provide an account of how and why tectonic hazards have both advantages and disadvantages
It is not necessary to include knowledge of specific volcanic areas and earthquakes to achieve level 3
Common errors
The following errors mean that answers cannot achieve Level 3 (top marks):
Not including examples of advantages and disadvantages.
Alternative content
The answer above is just one example of a response to this question. Other information that could be used in the answer includes:
Advantages
Tourism
Nutrient rich soil
Risks outweighed by social and economic advantages
Disadvantages
Ash affecting health
Flooding resulting from tsunami
Homelessness
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember when asked to explain in a question it is important that you outline the reasons for the focus of the question. For this question, many students identify the advantages and disadvantages but do not then explain why they are an advantage or disadvantage.
Monitoring, prediction & planning
To reduce the risks from tectonic hazards there are four key management strategies
Monitoring
Prediction
Protection
Planning
Monitoring
Active volcanoes are monitored using a range of equipment:
Seismometers:
These record earth movements and can detect the slightest tremor
Lasers and tiltmeters:
Used to detect ground deformation, changes in land shape can be a sign of rising magma
Remote sensing:
Satellites are used to detect heat increases within the volcano another sign of rising magma
Gas sensors:
These detect increases in gases such as sulphur and radon which increase before an eruption
Earthquakes:
Seismometers:
These record earth movements and can be used to detect foreshocks
Gas sensors:
Detect increases in radon gas which some scientists believe is released prior to an earthquake
Ground water levels:
Changes in groundwater levels have been recorded before earthquakes
Prediction
Volcanoes:
Monitoring of volcanoes now allows more accurate predictions of eruptions to be made
This allows for evacuation and exclusion areas to be put in place
Accurate timings for eruptions are not possible
Earthquakes:
Impossible to predict date, time or location
Protection
Volcanoes:
Evacuation and exclusion zones move people out of areas at risk
Buildings cannot be protected against lava or pyroclastic flow
Strengthening of roofs to support weight of falling ash
Earthquakes:
Many countries now practice earthquake drills - 'drop, cover and hold on' ensuring people know how to best protect themselves in an earthquake
Earthquake resistant building design - such as shutters on windows and reinforced steel cross braces
Sea walls to protect against tsunami
Planning
Volcanoes and earthquakes:
Hazard mapping and risk assessment are used to identify areas which are at greater risk - this means people can be moved or building restricted in those areas, particularly essential buildings (hospitals) and transport
Evacuation plans
Education about what actions to take, including drills
Stockpile of emergency supplies
Training of emergency services
Worked Example
State two ways that planning might help to reduce the damaging effects of an earthquake or volcanic eruption.
[2 marks]
Answer:
Prepare emergency aid and distribution [1 mark]
Practise earthquake/volcano drills [1 mark]
Marking guidance
The question asks about planning it is important that the answer focusses on planning and actions taken before the event rather than actions during and after the event.
No explanation is required in this answer.
Alternative content
Some other factors which could be included in the answer include:
Plan evacuation routes.
Stockpile blankets, clean water and food.
Educate people so they know what to do if an earthquake or volcano happens.
Prepare hazard maps to show areas most at risk of damage .
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember that the level of planning, prediction and monitoring will vary between countries of contrasting wealth. HICs are more able to prepare and monitor for tectonic hazards.
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