Question 1: What is an earthquake?

Answer: A sudden shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy from tectonic plate movements.

Question 2: Define 'focus' in relation to earthquakes.

Answer: The point inside the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Question 3: What is the 'epicentre' of an earthquake?

Answer: The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus.

Question 4: Name the tectonic plate boundary type where most earthquakes occur.

Answer: Convergent and transform boundaries

Question 5: Give an example of a major earthquake and its year.

Answer: The 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan.

Question 1: Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. These movements release energy that produces seismic waves. Major earthquakes can cause widespread destruction, loss of life, and economic impacts. For example, the 2010 Haiti earthquake resulted in over 230,000 deaths, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing tectonic hazards.

Answer: Earthquakes result from tectonic plate movements releasing energy. They can cause destruction and loss of life, as seen in the 2010 Haiti earthquake, emphasizing the need for preparedness and hazard management.

Question 1: Where do most earthquakes occur?

Answer: Along tectonic plate boundaries

Question 2: Name the scale used to measure earthquake magnitude.

Answer: Richter scale

Question 3: What is the primary cause of earthquakes at destructive plate boundaries?

Answer: The collision and subduction of tectonic plates causing stress and fracture.

Question 4: Which country experienced a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in 2011?

Answer: Japan

Question 1: Describe the main impacts of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, including social, economic, and environmental effects.

Answer: The earthquake caused over 230,000 deaths, widespread destruction of buildings, loss of infrastructure, and severe economic impacts. It also led to environmental issues such as landslides and debris in urban areas.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of international aid and disaster response efforts following the Haiti earthquake.

Answer: International aid provided immediate relief, including medical assistance, food, and shelter. However, long-term recovery was hampered by poor infrastructure, political instability, and limited local capacity. While aid alleviated some suffering, sustainable development and hazard preparedness still require improvement, indicating partial success but also significant challenges.

Question 1: Explain why earthquakes are most common along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Answer: The Pacific Ring of Fire is a major area where tectonic plates such as the Pacific Plate and surrounding plates interact through convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries, leading to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Question 2: Analyse the process of subduction and its role in generating earthquakes.

Answer: Subduction occurs when one tectonic plate is forced beneath another at convergent boundaries. This process causes intense pressure and friction, leading to the release of energy in the form of earthquakes. Subduction zones, such as off the coast of Chile, are major sources of powerful seismic events.

Question 3: Describe the pattern of earthquake distribution across the world.

Answer: Earthquakes are predominantly distributed along tectonic plate boundaries, especially at convergent and transform margins, with less activity in the interior of tectonic plates.

Question 1: To what extent have earthquake-resistant buildings and early warning systems reduced the human and economic impacts of earthquakes?

Answer: Earthquake-resistant buildings and early warning systems have significantly reduced casualties and damage in some regions, such as Japan, where strict building codes and advanced technology provide early alerts. However, in poorer countries like Haiti, lack of infrastructure and technology limits their effectiveness. Therefore, while these strategies are highly effective in developed nations, their success depends on economic and technological factors, making the overall impact variable.