Reducing Tectonic Risk Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is monitoring of a tectonic hazard?

Recording physical changes, such as earth tremors around a volcano, to help forecast when and where a hazard might strike.

What is prediction of a tectonic hazard?

Attempting to forecast when and where a hazard will strike — possible to some extent for volcanoes, but not reliably for earthquakes.

What is protection against a tectonic hazard?

Actions taken before a hazard strikes to reduce its impact, such as improving building design or educating people.

State two ways planning can reduce the damaging effects of an earthquake or volcanic eruption.

Plan evacuation routes and practise drills; prepare hazard maps and stockpile emergency supplies such as blankets, clean water and food.

Give two signs that scientists monitor to warn that a volcano may be about to erupt.

Any two of: small earthquakes (tremors), recorded by seismometers; changes in the gases given off, such as sulfur dioxide; the ground bulging, measured by tiltmeters; a rise in surface temperature, picked up by heat sensors.

Give two features of buildings designed to withstand earthquakes.

Rubber shock absorbers in the foundations that absorb ground shaking; steel frames that can sway without collapsing (also: cross-bracing and shatterproof glass).