Assess the extent to which

prediction is the most

important factor in reducing the
effects of tectonic hazards.
(9 marks + 3 SPaG)
 How important is it?
What other
What else could be
elements are
more/less
better/worse?
important? You
need to clearly
Assess the extent
consider the fact
that it might be the
to which What does prediction
most important,
but that there are prediction look like? How does it
reduce the effects?
alternatives that
could be better is the Explain

most important factor

in reducing the effects
What are the
effects? Why
of tectonic hazards.
were they so bad?
Use a case study Earthquakes/
to support! volcanoes/
tsunamis
Whilst prediction is important in reducing the impacts of natural hazards, it is not
applicable for all and so planning is more important.
Prediction is the most important factor in reducing the effects of volcanoes, as they
can be predicted quite accurately and so people can respond before the hazard
occurs. For example, scientists predicted the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption after a rise
in nearby earthquake activity. This meant they could react, evacuate and prevent
fatalities.
However, as earthquakes can’t be predicted, protection is a more effective way to
reduce their effects. In a high income country (HIC) money can be spent on
constructing earthquake resistant buildings. This was the case in Chile, with a GDP
ranked the 38th highest, in 2010 where buildings were reinforced with steel frames,
meaning fewer collapsed so the death toll was only approximately 500, in comparison
to over 9000 in the Nepal earthquake of 2015, a low income country (LIC).
Applicable to both earthquakes and volcanoes, planning is the best way to reduce the
effects of natural hazards. If people are aware of the possible hazard that could occur,
they can minimise panic and respond effectively in the immediate aftermath. In Chile,
emergency services swiftly repaired the Route 5 N-S highway within 24 hours, so
isolated communities could receive medical care and necessary provisions.
Therefore, prediction can be very important, but planning and knowing how to
respond will reduce the immediate impacts on people’s lives.
 tectonic hazards

tectonic hazards
tectonic hazards