Summary
Managing tectonic hazards involves understanding their causes, preparing communities, and building resilience through planning and technology. The 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake in Japan serves as a case study for effective management strategies.
- Tectonic Hazards — natural disasters caused by the movement of Earth's tectonic plates. Example: Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- Destructive Plate Boundary — where two tectonic plates collide, causing subduction. Example: The Pacific Plate subducting beneath the North American Plate.
- Primary Impact — immediate effects of a tectonic hazard. Example: Ground shaking during an earthquake.
- Secondary Impact — indirect consequences following a tectonic hazard. Example: Tsunami waves caused by an undersea earthquake.
- 3 Ps Framework — strategies for managing tectonic hazards: Prediction, Protection, and Preparation. Example: Japan's use of early warning systems, earthquake-resistant buildings, and community drills.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Tectonic Hazard
- Destructive Plate Boundary
- Primary Impact
- Secondary Impact
- Tsunami
Common Confusions
- Mixing up primary and secondary impacts
- Confusing the causes of death between earthquake and tsunami
Typical Exam Questions
- What type of plate boundary caused the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake? Answer: A destructive (convergent) plate boundary where the Pacific Plate subducted beneath the North American Plate.
- What was the main cause of death in the 2011 disaster - the earthquake or the tsunami? Answer: The tsunami - approximately 90% of the 16,000 deaths were caused by drowning in the tsunami, not the earthquake shaking.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Distinguishing between primary and secondary impacts
- Understanding the 3 Ps framework and its application in case studies