Management of Tectonic Hazards (AQA GCSE Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Why People Live in Areas at Risk
It is estimated that by 2025, 600 million people will live in tectonically active areas
There are also 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]
The command word in this question is 'Explain'
You need to give advantages and disadvantages and then explain them
It is not enough to say 'tourism', you need to explain why this is an advantage
This is a levelled answer, so marks are awarded for the answer overall rather than for individual points
In a level 2 and 3 answer, you are expected to use geographical terms and include examples of both advantages and disadvantages
You can include knowledge of specific volcanic areas and earthquake zones, but this is not essential in achieving level 3
An example of an answer for each level can be seen below
These are just examples and there are many others which can be found in the mark scheme- see topic question 5
Answer:
Level | Marks | Exemplar Answer |
|---|---|---|
1 (Basic) | 1-2 | Tourists are attracted to volcanic areas. However, volcanic eruptions can kill and injure people. |
2 (Clear) | 3-4 | Tourists are attracted to volcanic areas by eruptions, hot springs and geysers. This creates employment and may lead to the multiplier effect. Ash and pyroclastic flows may lead to deaths and injuries of people in the local area, they may also destroy crops. |
3 (Detailed) | 5-6 | Tourists are attracted to volcanic areas by eruptions, hot springs and geysers such as in Iceland or Mount Vesuvius in Italy. This creates employment and may lead to the multiplier effect which brings money into the local economy. Ash and pyroclastic flows may lead to the deaths and injuries of people in the local area. They can also destroy crops which may then lead to food shortages and food price increases. |
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:
Any two of the following could be used:
Prepare emergency aid and distribution [1]
Earthquake/volcano drills [1]
Evacuation routes [1]
Stockpile blankets/food/water [1]
Educate people so they know what to do if an earthquake or eruption happens [1]
Prepare hazard maps to identify areas most at risk [1]
Planning to avoid new buildings in areas at risk [1]
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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