Restless Earth
What you should know and links to revision material…
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RE1: I know the difference between continental and oceanic plates.
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RE2: I know what happens at constructive, destructive and conservation plate
margins.
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RE3: I know the characteristics of Fold Mountains; ocean trenches; composite
volcanoes and shield volcanoes.

RE4: I know how fold mountains; ocean trenches and volcanoes (shield &
composite) form.

RE5: I know a case study of a Fold Mountain area and the industries found
there.

RE6: I know how people have adapted to the conditions of Fold Mountain
areas.
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RE7: A Case Study of an LEDC eruption (Montserrat).
Cause; Effect; Response

RE8: A Case Study of an MEDC eruption (Mount Etna)
Cause; Effect; Response

RE9: The positive impacts of volcanic eruptions.

RE10: How volcanic activity is monitored and predicted.

RE11: The characteristics of a Supervolocano and the likely causes of an
eruption.
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RE12: Location and cause of earthquakes.

RE13: Features of earthquakes including epicentre, focus and shockwaves.

RE14: Measurement of earthquakes using the Richter and Mercalli scales.

RE15: A Case Study of an LEDC earthquake (Haiti)
Specific cause; primary & secondary effects; immediate & long term
responses.

RE16: A Case Study of an MEDC earthquake (Kobe)
Specific cause; primary & secondary effects; immediate & long term
responses.

RE17: Understand why the response to and effects of earthquakes differ
between countries of differing development.

RE18: The need to predict, prepare and protect from earthquakes.

RE20: A Case Study of a Tsunami (Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004); its cause,
effects and responses.
RE1: I know the difference between continental and oceanic plates.
The above map shows that the Earth’s crust is broken up into large pieces called
tectonic plates. The dashed red line shows the end of the Pacific Plate, the edge of
this plate is known as the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, it is the place where several
volcanoes are found and an area prone to earthquake (seismic) activity.
The crust of the earth can be divided into type types, Oceanic & Continental. Each
crust type has different properties.
Oceanic Crust
Continental Crust
Thinner- this crust is not as deep or thick. Thicker- this crust is deeper & thicker.
Denser- therefore comparably heavier.
Less Dense- therefore comparably lighter
Sinks- therefore can be destroyed.
Doesn’t Sink- therefore can’t be
Newer
destroyed
Older
Practise Question….
1. What is the crust? (1 mark)
2. What are the two types of crust? (1 marks)
3. Describe the difference between the two types of crust? (4 marks)
RE2: I know what happens at constructive, destructive and conservation plate
margins.
A plate boundary or a plate margin is the point where two plates meet. In the UK we
are not near to a plate margin or boundary. When they meet depending on how they
move different events and landforms will occur.
Passive or
Conservative
boundary
Constructive
Boundary
Collision
Boundary
Destructive
Boundary
Boundary Type
Conservative
Destructive
Constructive
Collision
Plate Movement
Plates move in
similar or opposite
directions.
An Oceanic Plate
moves towards a
Continental Plate.
Two Plates moving
apart in opposite
directions.
Two Plates of equal
density moving
together.
Example
North American
Plate & Pacific
Plate.
Nazca Plate &
South American
Plate.
North American
Plate & Eurasian
Plate.
Indian Plate &
Eurasian Plate.
(Himalayas)
Practise Question….
1. What is a plate margin & how do they differ? (4 mark)
2. What happens at a Destructive Boundary? (2 marks)
Landforms/Events
Earthquakes.
Earthquakes
Composite Volcano
Fold Mountains
Shield Volcanoes
Earthquakes
Fold Mountains
Earthquakes
RE3: I know the characteristics of Fold Mountains; ocean trenches; composite
volcanoes and shield volcanoes.
Fold Mountain Features

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
Anticline
These mountain ranges are
formed from sedimentary rock.
An Anticline is an upward fold in
the rock.
A Syncline is a downward fold in
the rock.
Syncline
Ocean Trenches
Ocean
Trench


An Ocean Trench is found at a
destructive margin.
It is a zone of over deepened
water at the point where the
oceanic plate subducts
underneath the continental
plate.
Composite Volcanoes



Wide &
Gentle Slopes
Shield Volcanoes



Plates Move Apart
Composite volcanoes are
narrow & steep sided.
Composite Volcanoes have
layers of ash /lava due to
explosive eruptions.
Composite are found at
destructive boundaries
Shield Volcanoes have a wide
base and gentle slopes.
Shield Volcanoes just have
layers of lava.
Shield Volcanoes are found at
constructive boundaries.
Practise Question….
1. Produce a cross sectional drawing of a Composite Volcano. (4 marks)
2. Produce an annotated diagram to explain how a Shield Volcano forms (4
marks)
3. What is an Ocean Trench? (1 mark)
4. Describe the features of Fold Mountains. (3 marks)
RE4: I know how fold mountains; ocean trenches and volcanoes (shield &
composite) form.
Composite Volcano Formation…
Key Words…
Destructive
Convection
Subduction Zone
Currents
Oceanic &
Density
Vent
Eruption &
Continental
Pressure
Magma & Magma Cycle & Layers
Ash & Lava
Viscous (thick)
Chamber
lava.
Composite Volcanoes form when the oceanic plate and continental plate are pushed
together by convection currents in the mantle. The denser oceanic plate sinks
beneath the continental plate into the mantle, where it melts in the subduction zone.
The increased volume of melted rock and its properties creates pressure which forces
magma to the surface crust of the earth via a vent. When the volcano erupts a cloud
of ash is created, thick lava flows down the slopes of the volcano and solidifies, a
layer of ash is added to this and the volcanoes slopes grow in these alternate layers.
Shield Volcano Formation…
Key Words…
Constructive
Convection
Move apart
Currents
Magma
Lava Layers
Viscosity (Thin &
Eruption
Runny)
Shield Volcanoes form at constructive plate margins where two plates move apart,
due to convection currents in the mantle. As the plates part they reveal a vent or
fracture in the crust, which magma rises and travels through.
The lava at a destructive boundary does not have the additional minerals and gases
from melted rock and therefore is thin and runny. As the lava exits the vent via the
crater it will travel a long way before cooling and solidifying, hence the slopes are
gently sloping.
Fold Mountain Formation…
Key Words…
Collision
Destructive
Sedimentary Rock
Folded/Faulted
Geosyncline
Convection
Currents
Crust
Fold Mountains are created where two tectonic plates move towards each other. This
can be at a destructive boundary or a collision boundary. Previous to this sedimentary
rock would have formed in a large depression called a geosyncline. The plates move
together due to convection currents in the mantle the sedimentary rock is then faulted
and folded upwards to create a fold mountain range such as the Himalayas. The folding
of the sedimentary rock will created creases in the rock known as anticlines and
synclines.
Ocean Trench Formation…
Key Words…
Destructive
Convection
Currents
Density
Subduction
Continental &
Friction
Mantle
Oceanic Crust
An ocean trench will form at a destructive boundary where two plates move towards
each other. The convection currents in the mantle carry the denser oceanic crust
towards the continental crust. The oceanic crust is subducted beneath the continental
crust, during this process the continental crust is also pulled downwards due to
friction. The result is an over deepened trench along the plate boundary.
Practise Question….
1. Explain how a volcano forms and grows at a destructive margin. (6 marks)
2. Describe how a Shield volcano forms and grows. (6 marks)
3. With the aid of diagrams explain how ocean trenches & fold mountains are
created (8 marks)
RE5: I know a case study of a Fold Mountain area and the industries found there.
The Alps is an example of a Young Fold Mountain area.
The following industries are found in young fold mountain areas such as the Alps…
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Tourism- People visit to enjoy the dramatic landscapes (scenic quality) and to
participate in winter sports such as skiing.
Hydro-Electric Power- The steep sided valleys mean that dams can be built
with the help of the natural landscape. The controlled release of the water
can generate electricity using HEP.
Forestry- forests in the Alps will be coniferous alpine forests. Management of
these forests provides valuable timber and creates jobs and money.
Agriculture- Farming in this area will be commercial. On higher slopes certain
livestock such as sheep and goats can cope with the steep relief and cold
temperatures. Whilst on the lower valley floors and south facing slopes crops
can be grown. (Note: south facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere receive
more sunlight)
Practise Question….
1. What industries can be found in fold mountain areas? (2 marks)
2. Explain how industries in fold mountain areas are able to generate income for
alpine communities. (4 marks)
3. With reference to an example explain how people in fold mountain areas
make money (4 marks)
RE6: I know how people have adapted to the conditions of Fold Mountain areas.
Fold Mountain areas such as the Alps can be extreme, inaccessible and dangerous
environments. As altitude increases temperatures fall, certain parts of the Alps are
very inaccessible and avalanches are regular events.
Due to the inaccessibility of the area the easiest way to adapt is initially to use local
materials and resources. Hydro electric power creates a localised energy supply and
means that a network of power lines is not needed to transfer power to alpine
settlements. The use of local building materials such as timber means that building
supplies do not need to be transported long distances in areas with access issues.
Accessibility: Zig-Zag Roads & Tunnels
Access is a major issue in fold mountain
areas, by zig-zagging roads and drilling
tunnels roads can be built. Roads mean
improved access and also that resources
and equipment can be transported
through the area to aid development.
Zig-Zag roads reduce the gradient
(steepness) of slopes.
Danger: Avalanche Defences
Explosives can be used to trigger
avalanches- this means that people can
be warned; slopes cleared. Knowing
when an event is going to happen means
that it can be managed. Other methods
to cope with avalanches are defences
such as avalanche fences and
preparation methods such as avalanche
monitoring/warning systems.
Practise Question….
1. Explain 2 ways in which problems in alpine areas have been overcome (4 marks)
2. With reference to a case study explain how the social & environmental problems of
living in Fold Mountain areas can be managed (8 marks)
RE7: A Case Study of an LEDC eruption (Montserrat).
Cause; Effect; Response
Causes…
Categories…
Human
Natural
Effects…
Categories…
Primary
Secondary
Responses…
Categories…
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Overview…
Not caused by people, however the
south of the island near to the Soufriere
Hills volcano was the most populated
part of the island.
The island is situated on a subduction
zone where a plate subducts and melts
underneath another plate.
Facts…
Dormant for 350 years and
so was unexpected.
Overview…
Earth tremors, lava flow, ash covers
island and pyroclastic flow flattens
vegetation. Impacts on people are
social impacts and impacts on natural
areas are environmental. Ash covers
villages and capital city.
The south of the island becomes a ghost
town and tourism declines (SocioEconomic). Lost habitats reduce animal
populations (Environmental).
Subsistence farmers lose farm land
(Social)
Facts…
23 people killed.
Capital of the island is
Plymouth.
Overview…
People ran from the surrounding area,
areas were evacuated.
South American &
Caribbean plates meet.
Population declines from
12,000 to 7000.
Facts…
Small island with a small
number of emergency
services.
Danger zones were created with no
Colonial island and strong
access to civilians. Temporary aid
links with the UK.
camps were created to provide
International aid received
residents with shelter, food and water. to help island residents.
Many residents permanently relocated Colonial island and strong
to the north of the island. Some
links with the UK.UK
residents relocated to other places
supplies aid and relocation
altogether such as neighbouring
opportunities.
islands and the UK.
Puerto Rico is the largest
neighbour.
RE8: A Case Study of an MEDC eruption (Mount Etna)
Cause; Effect; Response
Causes…
Categories… Overview…
Human
People have settled on the slopes due
to agricultural and tourism
opportunities.
Natural
Found on a Destructive Margin where
two plates meet. Etna is a composite
volcano.
Effects…
Categories…
Primary
Secondary
Responses…
Categories…
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Overview…
Lava flow can destroy houses in villages
on the slopes. Ash can cover fields. Tree
habitats flattened and damaged by ash
plumes.
Farming activities can be disrupted,
residents permanently or temporarily
made homeless. Positive impacts are
long term fertile soil and tourism due to
scenery/landscape.
Facts…
Erupts every 10 years or
so, yet people stay.
Eurasian & African plates
meet. African plates
subducts beneath the
Eurasian.
Facts…
Villages such as Catania
and Zafferana destroyed.
Commercial farming.
Overview…
Facts…
Evacuation of nearby homes and
villages.
Earth Walls- barriers created to stop lava flow. (Didn’t work)
Concrete Blocks- blocks dropped onto lava to divert it. (Didn’t work)
Dropped Explosives- to divert lava flow. (worked)
Seismographs in place to monitor
MEDC so can afford to put
volcano activity and predict eruptions. in place a variety of
monitoring strategies.
Practise Question….
1. Describe the effects of an eruption you have studied. (6 marks)
2. Describe the social & environmental effects of an eruption you have studied (6
marks)
3. With reference to example(s) describe the responses to an eruption you have
studied.
4. Describe how the responses to an eruption may differ between countries (6 marks)
5. Explain why some eruption may cause more damage than others (6 marks)
RE9: The positive impacts of volcanic eruptions.
Agriculture…
Tourism…
Soil in volcanic areas is
The awe and wonder of
fertile due to historical
the volcano and the
eruptions adding ash to
spectacular nature of the
the soil. This means that
scenery means that
commercial farming can
tourists visit the island of
take place creating money Sicily. Tourism creates job
and jobs for local
and business
residents.
opportunities for local
residents.
Geothermal Energy…
Water is pumped into the
ground in volcanic areas;
the heat radiating from
the ground can turn this
water into steam. This
steam can then turn a
turbine and this kinetic
energy can be used to
generate electricity.
Practise Question….
1. Why do people live near to volcanoes? (3 marks)
2. What are the social & economic benefits of living near to a volcano?
RE10: How volcanic activity is monitored and predicted.
Monitor Gas levels, increased activity
Size of land, increased size as magma
indicates likelihood of eruptions.
morphs (changes) shape of the volcano.
Earth Tremors, seismographs measuring
earth movements.
Mapping of historical activity, indicate
areas at risk.
Practise Question….
1.
Explain methods that can be used to monitor volcanic activity (4 marks)
RE11: The characteristics of a Supervolocano and the likely effects of an eruption.
Exam
Supervolcano Characteristics…
• Flat (normal volcanoes are like mountains)
• Cover a large area (unlike normal volcanoes)
• Have a caldera (normal volcanoes just have a crater)
• Found at destructive boundaries or over parts of the mantle which are really
hot, called hot spots
• Bulge near the top.
Yellowstone National Park & Supervolcano.
Likely Effects of Yellowstone Supervolcano erupting…
Local Effects in North America:
- 87,000 initial deaths (predicted)
- Large ash cloud rising 40-50km into the air.
- 15cm thick layer of ash covering buildings within 10,000km
- Buildings would collapse due to the weight of ash.
- Flights suspended
- Livestock & farmland effected.
International Effects (Impact on the UK):
- The UK would see the arrival of the ash 5 days after the eruption.
- Temperatures would fall by 12 to 15 degrees in the UK.
Global Effects
- Parts of Europe and America and Asia would see constant snow cover for 3 years.
- Crops would fail, monsoon rains in Asia would fail, 40% of population could face starvation.
Practise Question….
1. Describe the characteristics of a supervolcano (4 marks)
2. How does a Caldera form? (4 marks)
3. What are the likely effects of a supervolcano erupting? (8 marks)
RE12: Location and cause of earthquakes.
See RE1 & RE2.
Earthquakes occur along fault lines, a fault line is a fracture along which the crust
has moved. The most active fault lines such as the San Andreas Fault line are on or
close to plate margins. When the two sides of the fault rapidly slip or jerk past each
other the friction released results in an earthquake.
Practise Question….
1. Where do earthquakes occur? (2 marks)
2. What causes earthquakes? (3 marks)
RE13: Features of earthquakes including epicentre, focus and shockwaves.
FOCUS: point inside earth where
pressure is released.
EPICENTRE: point above focus on earths
surface.
SHOCKWAVES: waves of energy
released.
Practise Question….
1. What is the centre of an earthquake called? (2 marks)
2. What is a shockwave?
RE14: Measurement of earthquakes using the Richter and Mercalli scales.
The Richter Scale:
The Richter scale measures strength/energy (magnitude) and goes up to 9 (or 9 and
over). The scale is logarithmic; meaning each earthquake on the scale is 10 times
stronger than the previous number on the scale. For example an earthquake
measuring 6 on the Richter scale is 10 time stronger than a magnitude 5 earthquake
and 100 times stronger than a magnitude 4 earthquake. The equipment used to
monitor seismic activity is a seismograph and this is a mean of prediction.
The Mercalli Scale:
The Mercalli scale goes up to 12 and measures the effect than an earthquake has on
a place, each scale increase indicates increased damage. For example…
Scale 1= Instrumental (Detected only by seismographs)
Scale 5= Rather Strong (Sleepers awakened and bells ring)
Scale 10= Disastrous (Ground Cracks/Buildings destroyed/Landslides)
Scale 12= Catastrophic (Total Destruction)
Practise Question….
1. What scales can be used to measure earthquakes? (4 marks)
2. What is special about the Richter Scale? (2 marks)
3. How do the Mercalli & Richter scales differ? (3 marks)
RE15: A Case Study of an LEDC earthquake (Haiti)
Specific cause; primary & secondary effects; immediate & long term
responses.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The capital city is Port Au
Prince and the country lies on the Puerto Rico Trench fault line. In January 2010 Haiti
suffered an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 on the Richter scale.
Cause:
The North American plate slides under the Caribbean plate. The Capital, Port Au
Prince lies on the Puerto Rican Trench & Fault Line. The Caribbean Plate south of the
fault line slides eastwards, friction between plates caused the earthquake.
Primary Effects:
Death and the destruction of homes and businesses. Communication links were
damaged. Rubble collapsed onto roads and rail links making access difficult. Poor
quality shanty areas of makeshift housing collapsed easily. The initial death toll was
high, but would continue to rise.
Secondary Effects:
Destruction of homes left thousands of people homeless. People couldn’t phone for
help because communications were down. The collapsed rubble stopped cars and
emergency services from getting to effected areas. People failed to receive medical
care as hospitals were damaged and people were isolated, so the death toll started
to increase. The death toll increased further as Haiti is a less developed country and
was not prepared for a disaster on this scale, large sections of the population did not
have access to shelter, food and water and disease started to spread. Eventually the
death toll rose to around 250,000.
Longer Term Effects: Whilst a large proportion of aid was charity based the
government did borrow money to rebuild and thus went into debt. In addition the
destruction of large areas destroyed industries and the economy.
Short Term Responses:
People tried to rescue the injured from collapsed buildings; friends & relatives
searched for each other, as emergency services were limited.
Medium Term Responses:
International Aid from around the world was needed and governments (e.g. UK &
US) and charitable organisations (e.g. Red Cross) sent aid packages, staff and
expertise to aid the relief effort. Packet food, tents for shelter and water were
essentials required to help survivors. Teams of medical staff & emergency services
were sent to find and care for those trapped and injured. Aid workers and army
personnel helped to organise the distribution of aid.
The devastation on the island and its already poor infrastructure though meant that
the organisation and distribution of relief was slow. The time lag between the event
and some people receiving help meant the death toll increased.
Long Term Responses:
The long term response to the majority of disasters is to rebuild. This process will
take longer in less developed countries and will also be delayed by any subsequent
disasters/events.
RE16: A Case Study of an MEDC earthquake (Kobe)
Specific cause; primary & secondary effects; immediate & long term
responses.
Japan is a developed country is Asia and has a long history of earthquake activity due
to its position on a tectonic boundary.
In 1995 Kobe a port town in Japan was struck by an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the
Richter scale. It was the highest magnitude earthquake to hit Japan in 47 years. The
earthquake struck at 5:46 am and so many residents were still at home, whilst some
were on their way to work. Around 6000 died as a result of the earthquake and
27,000 were estimated to have been injured.
Cause: Kobe, Japan is near 3 tectonic plates that move around on top of the mantle
layer due to the convection currents, massive circuits of lava under the surface of the
crust. When two of these plates collide it causes the ground to shake with the result
being an earthquake.
Primary Effects: Over 200,000 buildings collapsed, killing over 6000 people and
making 300,000 homeless also many buildings sunk into the ground due to
liquefaction. The main Expressway in Japan (Hanshin Expressway) was virtually
destroyed. There were also several aftershocks.
Secondary Effects: Secondary effects included gas leaks, water mains being cut off
and electricity lines being damaged. With gas leaks and loose electrical wires, fires
started - of the buildings damaged or destroyed, 7,483 were burnt to the ground and
9,017 more damaged by the fires. The death toll in this developed country was
surprisingly high and the spread of fire could account for this. As fires spread they
could not be controlled as road systems were blocked off meaning emergency
services could not respond fast enough.
Longer Term Effects: The longer term economic impact of the event meant that for
at least a time industries and business could not operate as normal. Additionally
there was a time and money cost attached to the rebuild.
Responses:
Short Term: The population of Japan is educated about earthquake safety. In schools
and offices people hid under desks. After the initial tremor people would get out
into the open.
Medium Term: Search & Rescue; Emergency Services React; Distribute Aid; Use
Earthquake Kits if needed.
Long Term: Re-build: Record event & predict future events; Earthquake Proof
Buildings are constructed learning from the past event; Implement & Review
emergency strategies e.g. evacuation.
In an MEDC the longer term response and rebuilding process will be faster and more
efficient.
RE17: Understand why the response to and effects of earthquakes differ between
countries of differing development.
Factor
Japan
Haiti
Earthquake Strength
7.2 (in 1995)
8.0 (in 2010)
Population
126 million
9 million
Mean Age
45
20
Birth Rate
7
29
Death Rate
10
9
Urban Population
66%
47%
Infant Mortality
3
56
Life Expectancy
82
60
Literacy Rate
99%
53%
School Life Expectancy
15 years
Mobile Phones
110 million
3.2 million
TV broadcast Stations
211
2
Heliports
15
0
Roads (World Rank)
5th
155th
Developed countries will respond faster and in a more efficient manner to disasters
than less developed countries, this will result in lower death tolls in developed
countries. Below is a possible summary of differences & impacts…
In developed Countries…
 Populations are educated and prepared.
 Emergency services are well funded and skilled.
 Housing is of solid construction and stable.
 Infrastructure is organised and well maintained.
 Hospitals are well funded and have disaster plans in place.
 The populations tend to be healthier and more resistant to short term
impacts.
 Communication systems are more developed.

Practise Question….
1.
With reference to an example(s) describe the effects of an earthquake you have
studied. (6 marks)
2. With reference to example(s) describe the responses to an earthquake you have
studied (8 marks)
3. With reference to examples explain why the impact of earthquakes differs between
places of differing levels of development (8 marks)
RE18: The need to predict, prepare and protect from earthquakes.
Earthquakes cannot be prevented as they are a natural event and are related to
tectonic activity over which there is no human control. However by preparing for
earthquake events and trying to predict them hopefully the impact of earthquake
events can be reduced.
Preparations….
• Earthquake proof buildings.
• Earthquake Survival kit. (As in Japan)
• Education about Earthquakes.
• Earthquake drills to practise what to do when there is a real Earthquake.
• Education about where and how to store items in your home. Securing
furniture to walls.
Predictions….
 The use of seismographs
 The use of historical data
Practise Question….
1. With reference to example(s) explain how people can prepare for and predict
earthquakes (6 marks)
RE20: A Case Study of a Tsunami (Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004); its cause, effects
and responses.
A Tsunami is a secondary event caused by plate movement underneath the ocean,
with an earthquake being the primary event or trigger. A Tsunami is a wave which
travels in all directions from its origin, as the wave reaches land its wave height is
amplified and can be several metres in height.
If you image throwing a large stone into a pond, the stone will displace water and
send a circle of ripples in all directions. A Tsunami is similar; however the
displacement comes from plates moving beneath the ocean surface.
On Boxing Day 2004 a Tsunami event occurred in the Indian Ocean.
Some of the areas affected by the Tsunami were Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sumatra. The
initial earthquake was recorded at 9.1 on the Richter scale and wave heights reached 30m in
some coastal areas.
Social Effects
-Initial death dolls of 15,000
were reported.
-Over 230,000 people
eventually reported as dead
or missing.
-Towns & Villages destroyed.
Millions made homeless.
-Infrastructure damaged.
Economic Effects
-Damaged infrastructure
needed replacing and
upgrading.
-Decline in economic
activities such as tourism,
reduced GDP of several
countries.
-Fishing industries disrupted
as boast destroyed.
Environmental Effects
-Salt water contamination of
vegetation damaged
ecosystems.
-Coral reefs and coastal
forest areas were damaged
by waves and debris.
-Sediment & debris affected
human and natural
environments.
Responses to the Tsunami…
Immediate/Short Term Response: This was slow in certain areas due to a lack of
understanding and the absence of a warning system. Once aware of the danger locals and
tourists looked for safety. Strong buildings; higher ground and areas inland proved to be the
safest locations.
Medium Term Response: In the hours and days after the event searching for friends and
relatives and getting injured people medical attention were the main responses. An
international aid effort started with medical teams and supplies heading to areas around the
coast of the Indian Ocean. Tents, Water and Rescue teams all made up part of the relief
effort. There was also a need to bury the dead and mass graves were used to help stop the
spread of disease.
Long Term Response: A process of rebuilding and upgrading started, the aim being to reduce
the impact of any future events. An ‘Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System’ was set up to
provide coastal areas will a method of warning people to evacuate these areas in the event
of a Tsunami. Educating locals and tourists about the system is also part of long term
planning and ensuring that future event impacts are minimised.
Practise Question….
1.What is a Tsunami? (1 mark)
2. What type of event is a Tsunami? (2 marks)
3. Explain the cause of a Tsunami you have studied (4 marks)
4. With reference to a case study describe the effects of a Tsunami. (6 marks)
5. With reference to a case study describe the responses to a Tsunami. (8 marks)