What you will need to know in Unit 4.3...
4.3.1 Reasons why people live in areas at risk from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
4.3.2 The impacts of earthquakes.
4.3.3 The impacts of volcanic eruptions.
4.3.4 How the magnitude of a tectonic event is measured: moment magnitude scale, Richter scale, Mercalli scale, the volcanic explosivity index (VEI).
4.3.1 Reasons why people live in areas at risk from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
4.3.2 The impacts of earthquakes.
4.3.3 The impacts of volcanic eruptions.
4.3.4 How the magnitude of a tectonic event is measured: moment magnitude scale, Richter scale, Mercalli scale, the volcanic explosivity index (VEI).
4.3.1 Reasons why people live in areas at risk...
Many people live in areas at risk from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions despite the dangers. These areas often provide important advantages, such as fertile soils created by volcanic ash, which support productive farming. Some regions offer valuable natural resources, including minerals and geothermal energy, which create jobs and income. Large cities may have developed in risky areas before the hazards were fully understood, making relocation difficult. In some countries, people may lack the financial resources to move elsewhere. Others choose to stay because of strong family ties, cultural identity, or confidence in monitoring, prediction, and emergency planning.
In 4.4, when we study our two case studies of a volcanic eruption, and an earthquake event, we will find out more about why people lived in those areas in the first place.
Task 1 - Watch the video below and answer the short-response questions on the worksheet provided.
In 4.4, when we study our two case studies of a volcanic eruption, and an earthquake event, we will find out more about why people lived in those areas in the first place.
Task 1 - Watch the video below and answer the short-response questions on the worksheet provided.
4.3.2 The impacts of earthquakes...
Earthquakes can cause a wide range of impacts on people, the economy, and the environment. Primary impacts occur immediately and include building collapse, injuries, deaths, and damage to roads, bridges, and utilities. Secondary impacts happen later and may include fires, landslides, tsunamis, homelessness, disease, and long-term economic disruption. The severity of earthquake impacts depends on factors such as the magnitude of the earthquake, the depth of the focus, distance from the epicentre, population density, and the level of development of the affected area. Earthquakes in densely populated or poorer regions often result in greater loss of life.
Task 2 - Using the video above, complete the worksheet below outlining the major effects of earthquakes. If you want to see more examples of some of the impacts mentioned in the video, check out the videos below.
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4.3.3 The impacts of volcanic eruptions...
Volcanic eruptions can have both immediate and long-term impacts on people and the environment. Primary impacts include lava flows, ash fall, pyroclastic flows, lahars, and the release of toxic gases, which can cause deaths and widespread destruction. Secondary impacts may include disruption to air travel, damage to agriculture, water contamination, and long-term health problems. Volcanic eruptions can also have positive impacts, such as the creation of fertile soils and opportunities for tourism and geothermal energy. The level of impact depends on the type of eruption, the hazards produced, and how prepared the population is.
Part A - The Negative Impacts of volcanoes
Part A - The Negative Impacts of volcanoes
Task 3 - Using the video above, complete the worksheet below outlining the negative impacts of volcanoes. If you want to see more examples of some of the impacts mentioned in the video, check out the videos below.
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Part B - The Positive Impacts of Volcanoes
Task 4 - Using the video above, complete the worksheet below outlining the positive impacts of volcanoes. If you want to see more examples of some of the impacts mentioned in the video, check out the videos below.
4.3.4 How the magnitude of a tectonic event is measured...
The magnitude and impact of tectonic events are measured using different scales. Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale and the moment magnitude scale, which calculate the amount of energy released by seismic waves. The Mercalli scale measures earthquake intensity based on observed damage and human experience. Volcanic eruptions are measured using the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), which considers factors such as the volume of material ejected and the height of the eruption column. These scales help scientists compare events, assess risk, and improve prediction and preparedness.
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Task 5 - You should watch each of the videos above carefully and take written notes of no more than 100 words per scale on a blank word document. Once complete, make a copy of the AI summary diagram below.
Task 6 - Exam Corner
Paper 1 AO3 Question (5 marks)
To what extent is the Moment Magnitude Scale more useful than the Richter and Mercalli scales in measuring earthquakes?
[5 marks]
Paper 1 AO3 Question (5 marks)
To what extent is the Moment Magnitude Scale more useful than the Richter and Mercalli scales in measuring earthquakes?
[5 marks]
