Question

How can we minimise the impact of an earthquake?

Answer 1

Answer:

i) The epicentre is the point on the earth’s crust directly above the focus where the damage is greatest.

(ii) The effects of the earthquake were greater in Christchurch as Christchurch is the epicentre of the earthquake, which means that this is where the tremors were most severe. The epicentre is the point on the earth’s surface directly above the focus. The focus is where the earthquake begins. Wellington is further away from the epicentre; therefore, the tremors were less severe.

(iii) Ways to reduce the impact of earthquakes:

1.Construct buildings that can withstand the force of an earthquake. Buildings in earthquake-prone areas need to be built on roller foundations, which allow them to move but not collapse during an earthquake.

2.Have earthquake drills in areas that are prone to earthquakes. This can help reduce deaths and injuries during earthquakes.

Answer 2

Seek shelter under stable tables or under door frames.

If outside, stay away from buildings, bridges and electricity pylons and move to open areas.

Avoid areas at risk from secondary processes, such as landslides, rockfall and soil liquefaction.

After an earthquake, check gas, water and electricity pipes and lines for damage.

Listen to the radio and follow the instructions issued by the authorities.

Technical/biological measures

No measures can be taken to prevent earthquakes themselves, however limited measures exist that can counteract their secondary effects like landslides, rockfall and soil liquefaction.

Earthquake-proof planning and design of buildings

The microzoning of the local geological substratum provides indicators of areas in which tremors will have a particularly strong or attenuated effect.

Organisational measures

At present, earthquake prediction is insufficiently precise to provide the public with sufficient advance warning. For this reason, adequate preparedness and assistance in catastrophes is extremely important in areas affected by earthquakes. Measures of this nature enable numbers of human lives to be saved.