Edexcel IGCSE Geography 复习笔记 3.3.1 Preparing for Earthquakes

• Accurate prediction of earthquakes is not currently possible but monitoring is
• Many different methods of monitoring are being used to help research possible prediction methods:
  • Tiltmeters - which monitors ground changes
  • Clusters of small earthquakes
  • Changes in radon gas emissions
  • Changes in animal behaviour
  • Remote sensing of ground movement using satellites

• Countries can prepare for earthquakes in a number of ways:
  • Building design and earthquake resistant structures
  • Land use planning
  • Earthquake drills
  • Emergency planning

Building Design

• In developed countries building design and engineering is commonly used to reduce the impact of earthquakes
• Building regulations and codes require new buildings to include earthquake resistant features:
  • Shutters on windows prevent falling glass
  • Cross-bracing of steel frames
  • Foundations sunk deep into the bedrock
  • Frames which sway with the earthquake tremors
  • Rubber shock absorbers to reduce tremors moving through the building

Land Use Planning

• Mapping of areas most at risk from earthquakes
• Planning can ensure that valuable services such as the fire service and hospitals are not built in high risk areas
• Densely populated housing can be located away from high risk areas

Drills and Education

• In many countries earthquake drills are regularly carried out
• The drills help people to prepare for what to do in an earthquake to protect themselves
• Education about how to prepare homes means

Remote Sensing and GIS

• Remote sensing of the Earth's surface by satellites such as Sentinel 1 provides data about changes in ground movement
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides layers of data such as:
  • vulnerable areas
  • land use
  • infrastructure such as roads
• GIS data is then used to assist with land use planning

Nepal - A Developing Country

• Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world
• GDP per capita in 2015 was US$3,332
• The country is politically unstable with a civil war between 1996 and 2006
• Earthquake experts view Kathmandu as one of the most dangerous places in the world in terms of earthquake risk

Japan - A Developed Country

• Japan is one of the wealthiest countries in the world
• GDP per capita in 2011 was US$48,168
• Japan is one of the most seismically active places in the world with 20% of earthquakes over magnitude 6.0 happening there