Question 1: Describe the differences between a volcanic eruption and an earthquake in terms of their causes and typical effects on the environment and human populations.

Answer: A volcanic eruption occurs when magma rises to the surface, often causing lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic flows, which can destroy landscapes and settlements. An earthquake results from a sudden release of energy along a fault line, causing ground shaking that can damage buildings and infrastructure. Both hazards can lead to loss of life, injury, and economic damage, but eruptions involve volcanic activity, whereas earthquakes involve tectonic plate movements.

Question 2: Explain why some regions are more prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions than others. Use examples in your answer.

Answer: Regions near tectonic plate boundaries are more prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because of the movement of plates. For example, the Pacific Ring of Fire has many active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes due to plate subduction and collision processes. Conversely, areas situated away from plate boundaries are less affected by such hazards.

Question 3: Identify and describe three immediate responses that communities might take during a flood to protect residents and property.

Answer: Communities might evacuate residents from flood-prone areas, deploy sandbags to prevent water ingress, and set up emergency shelters. They may also issue warnings through sirens or broadcasts and coordinate rescue operations to assist stranded individuals.

Question 4: List four long-term strategies that governments can implement to reduce the impact of future earthquakes in a city located near a fault line.

Answer: Long-term strategies include enforcing strict building codes to ensure earthquake-resistant structures, establishing early warning systems, conducting public education campaigns about safety procedures, and planning urban development away from high-risk fault zones.

Question 5: Draw a simplified cross-section of the Earth’s crust showing a tectonic plate boundary where an oceanic plate is subducting beneath a continental plate. Indicate the location of magma formation and volcanic activity.

Answer: A correct sketch should show two plates converging, with the denser oceanic plate descending beneath the continental plate. The subduction zone should be labeled, with a magma chamber forming above the subducting plate, leading to volcanic eruptions on the surface above.

Question 6: Describe the typical sequence of events during a tropical cyclone and their effects on coastal regions.

Answer: A tropical cyclone begins with warm ocean water causing air to rise and form thunderstorms. As the storm intensifies, it develops a low-pressure center, strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. Coastal regions can experience flooding, wind damage, and erosion, leading to destruction of property and loss of life.

Question 7: Explain why urban areas are particularly vulnerable to certain hazards like flooding and heatwaves. Include two reasons for each hazard.

Answer: Urban areas are vulnerable to flooding due to large areas of impermeable surfaces like concrete, which prevent water absorption, and high population density, which increases the number of people at risk. For heatwaves, cities experience the 'urban heat island' effect, where buildings and roads absorb and retain heat, raising temperatures, and dense populations can lead to health issues like heatstroke.

Question 8: Identify a geographical location where a hazard has had a significant impact in the past. Briefly describe the hazard, its effects, and how the area has responded.

Answer: One example is the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life. The effects included collapsed buildings, a humanitarian crisis, and infrastructure damage. The response involved international aid, rescue operations, and efforts to rebuild safer infrastructure, although challenges remain.

Question 9: Discuss the importance of prediction and early warning systems in managing hazards. Provide an example of such a system.

Answer: Prediction and early warning systems allow communities to prepare and evacuate before a hazard strikes, reducing injuries and fatalities. An example is the tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean, which detects undersea earthquakes and provides alerts to coastal areas to evacuate or take protective measures.