The 1995 Kobe Earthquake Lesson Objective: To understand the cause, effect and response to the Kobe Earthquake

Characteristics of earthquakes A boundary within the earths crust Where the earthquake is first felt on the surface The origin of the earthquake Energy that is released from an earthquake Seismic waves

Task: Explain the cause of the earthquake Task: Explain the cause of the earthquake. You must use all of the following words Oceanic crust Continental crust subducted pressure friction Focus (16km) Subduction zone Convection currents Eurasian plate Denser Pacific Plate Sudden release

Earthquake effects Many people remained homeless for months Over 100,000 buildings collapsed 30,000 people badly injured 300,000 people left homeless Emergency services struggled to cope Over 5000 people died Over $ 100 billion worth of damage Fires broke out due to gas leaks Roads and bridges collapsed

How did the economic development of Japan affect its ability to respond to the earthquake? Water, electricity, gas, telephone services were fully working by July 1995 The railways were back in service by August 1995 A year after the earthquake, 80% of the port was working but the Hanshin Expressway was still closed. By January 1999, 134,000 housing units had been constructed but some people were still having to live in temporary accommodation. New laws were passed to make buildings and transport structures even more earthquake proof. More instruments were installed in the area to monitor earthquake movements. People are educated on earthquake preparation in Japan. Japan has the world’s most comprehensive prediction programme with thousands of seismometers and monitoring stations in Japan designed to give warning. Kobe hadn’t had an earthquake in 400years and had less prediction equipment than other areas of Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vpF2fjMTq0