Question 1: Define 'focus' in the context of earthquakes.

Answer: The point within the Earth's crust where an earthquake originates.

Question 2: What is 'seismic waves'?

Answer: Vibrations that travel through the Earth's crust during an earthquake.

Question 3: Explain 'plate tectonics' and its relation to earthquakes.

Answer: The Earth's lithospheric plates move and interact at plate boundaries, causing stress and leading to earthquakes.

Question 4: Name the three main types of plate boundaries involved in seismic activity.

Answer: Divergent, Convergent, Transform

Question 5: What is an earthquake's 'epicentre'?

Answer: The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus where the earthquake is felt most strongly.

Question 1: Where did the 2011 Tohoku earthquake occur, and what was its magnitude?

Answer: Off the coast of Honshu, Japan; magnitude 9.0.

Question 2: Identify two primary effects of the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

Answer: Widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure; high loss of life.

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

Answer: Stress buildup as plates collide, causing faults to slip.

Question 4: Describe the difference between primary and secondary seismic waves.

Answer: Primary waves are compressional and travel fastest through the Earth; secondary waves are shear waves that cause more damage and travel slower.

Question 1: Based on the case of the 2011 Japan earthquake, explain why the tsunami caused extensive damage.

Answer: The earthquake's magnitude triggered a massive tsunami due to the displacement of seawater at the subduction zone boundary, leading to flooding and destruction in coastal areas like Sendai.

Question 2: Identify two reasons why Haiti's earthquake in 2010 resulted in a high death toll.

Answer: Poor construction standards and lack of effective emergency preparedness increased vulnerability and fatalities.

Question 3: Compare the preparedness levels of Japan and Haiti during their respective earthquakes based on the case studies.

Answer: Japan had strict building codes, early warning systems, and emergency drills, reducing casualties; Haiti lacked such infrastructure and preparedness, leading to higher death tolls.

Question 1: Explain why earthquakes are more common at convergent and transform plate boundaries.

Answer: At convergent boundaries, plates collide and stress accumulates until faults slip. Transform boundaries involve lateral shear stress as plates slide past each other, both creating conditions favorable for earthquakes.

Question 2: Analyse the reasons why some regions are more vulnerable to earthquakes than others.

Answer: Regions near active plate boundaries, such as Japan or California, are more vulnerable due to frequent tectonic activity. Poor building standards, low preparedness, and dense populations increase impact severity in vulnerable areas.

Question 3: Describe the process of earthquake magnitude measurement and what the Richter scale indicates.

Answer: Earthquake magnitude is measured using seismographs, with the Richter scale quantifying the energy released. Higher values indicate more powerful earthquakes.

Question 1: To what extent are current earthquake prediction and management strategies effective in reducing casualties and damage? Consider technological, social, and economic factors in your answer.

Answer: Effective strategies include early warning systems, improved building codes, and public education, which have reduced casualties in some regions like Japan. However, prediction remains challenging, especially in low-income countries like Haiti, where lack of resources hampers preparedness. Continuous investment in technology and community resilience is essential for improving outcomes worldwide.