Comparing Earthquakes Decide which 8 of the items you would have in your earthquake emergency kit and explain why. Family Photos

The key idea of the lesson is… By the end of the lesson you will… Comparing Earthquakes (rich/poor) The effects of earthquakes and the responses to them differ due to the contrasts in levels of wealth. A c/s of an earthquake from a rich part of the world and one from a poor area. Specific causes; primary secondary effects; immediate and long-term responses – the need to predict, plan and prepare. -have a case study of an earthquake in Haiti and Chile. - understand the factors that affect the effects and responses to earthquakes – particularly focused on wealth and development.

Short Term (Primary) Effects Immediate and are a direct result of shaking.

Long Term (Secondary) Effects Happen after the earthquake and are caused by the short-term effects.

Responses Immediate – how people react to the earthquake when it happens and in the first hours and days afterwards. Long-Term – how people react and respond to the earthquake in the weeks, months and years afterwards.

Comparing Earthquakes Fill in your two A3 grids with information on the two earthquakes. Draw Venn diagram in your book to compare the similarities and differences How does the depth of the earthquakes’ focus, and the location of the epicentre, help to explain some of the effects seen in Chile and Haiti? How far do you think the differences in the effects of the two earthquakes, and responses to them, are due to the fact that Haiti is a poor country and Chile is relatively wealthy? (Hint: ‘How far’ means you need to look at whether the differences are due to differences in wealth, or not. You need to look at both sides of the argument.

Questions 1. The Haiti earthquake measured 7.0 on the Richter scale. What exactly does this mean? 2. Why might an earthquake of similar size be less destructive in an LEDC than Haiti? 3. What were the primary effects? 4. What were the secondary effects? 5. What precautions had the authorities taken in preparation for a possible earthquake in Chile? 6. Why were the authorities able to deal quickly with the effects of the earthquake? 7. Why do people continue to live in places like Chile and Haiti, when they know that they are at risk from future earthquakes?

Prediction We cannot predict accurately when and where they will occur but you can get some ideas by: Looking at areas that are ‘overdue’ for an earthquake. Measuring radon gas increases Detecting the movement of rock Seismograph readings of fore shocks Looking at the behaviour of animals Identifying drops in water levels

Planning In MEDCs buildings are engineered to be ‘life safe’ during earthquakes. This is done by: Having strict building regulations for new buildings Carrying out safety checks Strengthening existing buildings Earthquake proof design includes: Counter weights Shock absorbers Shatter proof glass Cross bracings to allow for twisting

Prepare to take action If people are prepared the effects of the earthquake can be reduced: Train emergency crews and invest in search and rescue equipment Plan for earthquakes and regularly practice what to do Have emergency kits prepared Educate people on what to do Designate evacuation centres Have stockpiles of essential items Set up an warning and information system

PPP Task Using the information on the internet and in the textbook, answer questions 4-5 on page 31.

? “Earthquakes don’t kill” Do you agree? Why? What factors determine the number of deaths and injuries following an earthquake? How do these relate to wealth and development?