Question 1: What is a 'focus' in the context of an earthquake?

Answer: The point inside the Earth where the earthquake originates

Question 2: Define 'epicentre' and explain its significance.

Answer: The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus; it's where the shaking is usually most intense.

Question 3: What are tectonic plates?

Answer: Large slabs of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Question 4: Name two types of plate boundaries associated with earthquakes.

Answer: Convergent and transform (or strike-slip) boundaries

Question 5: Explain what is meant by 'seismic waves'.

Answer: Vibrations that travel through the Earth's interior and surface during an earthquake.

Question 1: Which tectonic plate boundary is responsible for the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan?

Answer: Convergent boundary

Question 2: Name the country where the 2010 earthquake caused widespread devastation, resulting in over 230,000 deaths.

Answer: Haiti

Question 3: What is the primary cause of earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault in California?

Answer: Sliding of tectonic plates past each other along a transform fault

Question 4: Describe the main difference between shallow-focus and deep-focus earthquakes.

Answer: Shallow-focus earthquakes occur near the surface and typically cause more damage; deep-focus occur deeper within the Earth's crust and are less destructive.

Question 5: Which type of seismic wave causes most of the damage during an earthquake?

Answer: Surface waves

Question 1: Based on the case study of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, identify two primary impacts on the country's infrastructure and society.

Answer: Widespread destruction of buildings and roads; high death toll and displacement of many people

Question 2: Describe the main challenges faced by emergency responders after the Haiti earthquake.

Answer: Damaged roads and communications hindered aid delivery; lack of resources and medical facilities overwhelmed response efforts.

Question 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of international aid in the recovery process following the Japan 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Answer: International aid played a significant role in providing immediate relief, such as medical supplies and rescue teams. However, recovery was slow due to logistical challenges and the scale of destruction. Overall, aid contributed to rebuilding efforts but also highlighted issues of coordination and long-term sustainability.

Question 4: Identify and explain two reasons why some regions are more vulnerable to earthquake damage than others.

Answer: Regions near active tectonic plate boundaries are more vulnerable due to higher seismic activity; poorly constructed buildings and lack of strict building codes increase damage risk.

Question 1: Explain why earthquakes tend to occur along specific tectonic plate boundaries.

Answer: Earthquakes occur where plates interact, such as at convergent, divergent, or transform boundaries, due to stress accumulation and release along faults.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of the high level of destruction during shallow-focus earthquakes compared to deep-focus ones.

Answer: Shallow-focus earthquakes occur nearer to the surface, leading to higher seismic energy impact on infrastructure. Deep-focus earthquakes dissipate more energy within the Earth's crust, causing less surface damage.

Question 1: To what extent are current building codes effective in minimizing earthquake damage in earthquake-prone regions?

Answer: Building codes, when strictly enforced, significantly reduce damage and save lives by ensuring structures can withstand seismic forces. However, in regions with poor enforcement or lack of resources, buildings often remain vulnerable. Therefore, effectiveness varies based on governance, economic factors, and community awareness. Overall, while codes are essential, they must be complemented by public education and emergency planning for optimal results.