Earthquakes and tsunamis - EdexcelEffects and responses to earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused by the release of built-up pressure at plate boundaries. They can destroy buildings and infrastructure. Tsunamis can also occur, with equally devastating and deadly effects.
The effect of an earthquake is the damage which happens as a result of the earthquake. The effects of an earthquake can vary depending on:
The size of the earthquake on the Richter scale - the higher on the scale, the more destruction it causes.
Level of development - whether it occurs in a rich or a poor country. Richer countries will be more likely be able to predict, protect and prepare themselves from the effects of an earthquake.
The depth of the focus - if it's shallow, it can be more destructive.
Distance from epicentre - the effects of an earthquake are more severe at its centre.
Population density - the more people living in an area, the more likely that more deaths and casualties may arise.
The time of day whether people are in their homes, work or travelling.
We can classify the effects of an earthquake into the following categories:
primary effects - things that happen immediately as a result of an earthquake
secondary effects - things that happen in the hours, days and weeks after the initial earthquake
Responses
Responses are how countries react to an earthquake. They are categorised as follows:
Short-term or immediate - a response in the days and weeks immediately after a disaster has happened. Short-term responses mainly involve search and rescue and helping the injured.
Long-term - responses that go on for months and years after a disaster. They involves rebuilding destroyed houses, schools, hospitals, etc. They also involve kick-starting the local economy.