1.6do all areas suffer from tectonic hazards in the same way?

© Oxford University Press 2009

Part 1 Opportunities and risks─Is it rational to live in hazard-prone areas?

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1.61.6 Do all areas sufferDo all areas suffer from tectonicfrom tectonic hazards in thehazards in the same way?same way?

Part APart A



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What has been done to minimize losses caused by tectonic hazards?

These five conditions help reduce losses

during tectonic hazards.

Monitoring and warning systems

Hazard-proof structures

Land use planning

Education and drills

Well-trained and well-equipped rescue teams



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6 Other measures

Earthquakeinsurance

US $100,000

Insurance Co.

Disaster aid

Emergency funds

Insurance

Other measures include:



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In Part B, we will explore the effectiveness of these

measures in different countries.



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A For earthquakes1 Monitoring and warning systems

Scientists predict earthquakes by the following ways:

Analyzing past records of earthquakes

Using seismographs to monitor earthquakes

Relying on satellites to detect slight movement in the ground

Using seismograph for detecting movement below the earth’s crust(Credit: Reuters/OTHK)



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A For earthquakes1 Monitoring and warning systems

Can scientists

really predict earthquakes?

Can scientists

really predict earthquakes?

Scientists use the information obtained to predict：- the time and place of occurrence, and- the scale of possible earthquakes.

Recent successful example:The strong earthquake near Sumatra in March 2005Impact:Fewer deaths than expected



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B For volcanic eruptions1 Monitoring and warning systems

Instruments are installed to detect the following signs of imminent activity from the volcano:

The seismic activityThe seismic activity

Changes in the temperature Changes in the temperature and the pressure levels in and the pressure levels in the volcanoesthe volcanoes

The composition of gases The composition of gases emitted from the cratersemitted from the craters

The tilting and swelling The tilting and swelling of the volcanoof the volcano

The level of ground waterThe level of ground water(Credit: Lyn Topinka/USGS)

Aerial view, the Three Sisters volcanoes in Oregon, the USA



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Helicopter dropping off a portable telemetered stations in the crater of Mount St. Helens (Credit: Dan Dzurisin/USGS)

(Credit: Dan Dzurisin/USGS)



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GPS (Global Positioning System) stations have been installed on or around volcanoes to measure any deformation of the ground surface that might accompany an intense swarm of earthquakes

(Credit: Dan Dzurisin/USGS)



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Can scientists

really predict volcanic

eruptions?

Can scientists

really predict volcanic

eruptions?

Scientists predict eruptions by:

Successful example:The eruption of MountSt Helens in the USA in 1981Impact:It helped minimize loss of life.

observing the signs from the volcanoes;

studying the history and the geological structure of the volcanoes



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C For tsunamis1 Monitoring and warning systems

Sensor for detecting vibrations on the sea floor

Data are sent to the buoy station

Data are transmitted to the satellite

Data are transmitted to the tsunami warning centres

Scientists monitor tsunamis by buoys, satellites and ocean-bottom tsunami gauges.The gauges can detect the height of waves in the oceans.

NOAA website explaining how a tsunami

warning system worksPlease click to browse online



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C For tsunamis1 Monitoring and warning systems

In addition, international/regional/ local tsunami warning

systems have been set up in these places:

The Pacific Ocean

The Indian Ocean

Chile

Peru

Japan

Thailand

Indonesia



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A For earthquake-prone regions2 Hazard-proof structures

The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, the USA

What is the special function of the

outstanding look of this building?

What is the special function of the

outstanding look of this building?

The building has adopted earthquake-proof designs.

It helps reduce the number of injuries and deaths in earthquakes.

(Credit: Charles E. Rotkin/Corbis)



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A For earthquake-prone regions2 Hazard-proof structures

What are the characteristics of earthquake-proof

buildings?

What are the characteristics of earthquake-proof

buildings?Height is strictly controlled

( Hard / Soft ) storey

Steel frames are used instead of just concrete and stone

Foundation is sunk deep into the bedrock

Houses are built with ______-proof technology and ______-resistant material

Reinforced steel

foundation

shockfire



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B For eruption-prone regions2 Hazard-proof structures

Measures to reduce losses from lava flows

In eruption-prone regions, roofs are specially designed.Structures are established to keep lava flows away from settlements.

Lava flowLava flow

Channel is built to Channel is built to divert lava flow divert lava flow from settlementfrom settlement

Barrier is erected Barrier is erected to stop the lava to stop the lava flowflow

Steep-sided roofs Steep-sided roofs to shed the ashto shed the ash



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Which design is more suitable for places that may

be struck by tsunamis?

Which design is more suitable for places that may

be struck by tsunamis?


Design A Design BWhat are special about tsunami-proof designs for buildings and coasts?

What are special about tsunami-proof designs for buildings and coasts?

Sea walls are used to protect the coast against tsunamis.

Ground floor is used as car parks. This allows water to pass through more easily when the big waves come.



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The following structures are established to protect people against tsunamis in Japan:

A sea wall in Shizuoka, Japan, with gate. The gate will close if a tsunami is anticipated

Elevated platform used for tsunami evacuation in Okushiri Island, Japan(Credit: Franck Robichon/epa/Corbis)

(Credit: International Tsunami Information Centre)



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Implement the following land use policies in tectonic hazard-prone areas:

Avoid building facilities with potential dangers

Impose laws governing the height and structure of buildings

Establish an evacuation route with adequate road signs at the urban-planning stage

EXIT

3 Land use planning



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A For earthquake-prone regions3 Land use planning

Describe the land use characteristics at the Osaka Castle area in Japan.

Describe the land use characteristics at the Osaka Castle area in Japan.

Emergency evacuation map of Osaka Castle area, Japan



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A For earthquake-prone regions3 Land use planning

Schools are designed as evacuation or shelter centres

Schools are designed as evacuation or shelter centres

(Credit: Franck Robichon/epa/Corbis)



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B For volcanic areas3 Land use planning

Volcanic hazard-zone maps are drawn to show the areas that may possibly be affected by lava flow and mudflow during volcanic eruptions



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B For volcanic areas3 Land use planning

It helps prepare emergency evacuation plans and avoids structures to be constructed along these routes

Which two volcanoes may

cause more serious

hazards?

Which two volcanoes may

cause more serious

hazards?



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C For tsunami-prone areas3 Land use planning

Sea

Highest water level recorded in past

tsunamis

A channel to hold incoming water

Settlement on highland

Coastal evacuation road

Monitoring station(tsunami proof)

Beach

Woodland reserves

How can such design reduce losses caused by tsunamis?

How can such design reduce losses caused by tsunamis?

Reduce the speed and energy of an advancing tsunami

Prepare routes for mass evacuation to

higher ground

In hazard-prone areas:• Lower the

population density• Avoid economic

development

Monitor tsunamis at the frontline

As a buffer



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4 Education and drillsEducation helps raise public awareness of tectonic hazards

ExampleExample

Japan

Students are taught about what they should do ( before / during / after ) a hazard.

Regular large-scale earthquake drills for the general public are also held.

An earthquake drill held in Japan(Credit: Reuters/OTHK)



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5 Well-trained and well-equipped rescue teams

A German rescue team used advanced equipment to detect the presence of survivors in the 1999 Turkey earthquake

Advantages of having well-trained and well-equipped rescue teams:

Fewer people killed by disease, starvation, dirty water, etc. after hazards

Injured people have a better chance of being saved

(Credit: Reuters/OTHK)

1.6do all areas suffer from tectonic hazards in the same way?

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