case studies

• What magnitude was the earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010?

  7.0 magnitude
• Why was the damage from the Haiti earthquake worse than other earthquakes of similar size?

  Poor building standards and dense populations
• How did the earthquake impact Haiti's economy?

  It caused huge poverty and trade loss
• How far was the epicenter of the earthquake from Port-au-Prince?

  25 km
• What was a major criticism of international aid efforts in Haiti?

  They did not work well with local leaders
• What type of waves are released first during an earthquake?

  Primary waves (P waves)
• What technology can scientists use to measure changes in plate movement?

  Satellite technology
• What can well-designed buildings do to mitigate earthquake damage?

  Reduce the risk of building collapse
• What are the key components of effective earthquake preparedness and response?

  • Well-designed buildings with supports
  • Basement shock absorbers
  • Good evacuation routes and procedures
  • Educated citizens
  • Well-trained rescue teams
• What is the role of SMS text, sirens, and radio during an earthquake?

  To communicate alerts before secondary waves
• What type of earthquake waves are slower and more destructive?

  Secondary waves (S waves)
• What percentage less rainfall did Australia experience from 2002-2009 during El Nino years?

  40-60%
• Can scientists accurately predict earthquakes?

  No, they cannot accurately predict events
• What factors worsened the drought in Australia?

  Poor farming and overpopulation
• What were the consequences of the drought in Australia?

  Crops failed and jobs were lost
• What has been a common issue with longer-term investment in Haiti post-earthquake?

  It has been slow and foreign-focused
• What measures did the Australian government take to help during the drought?

  Offered subsidies for greywater tanks
• What type of earthquake is characterized as shallow focus?

  Earthquake occurring at a shallow depth
• What agricultural changes were made during the Big Dry in Australia?

  Different plants were trialed for drought
• What factors contributed to the significant hindrance of aid efforts in Haiti?

  Damage and poor infrastructure
• What can be done to save lives during an earthquake event?

  Implement good evacuation routes and procedures
• What types of crops were encouraged during the drought in Australia?

  Less water-thirsty crops
• What was one type of assistance that international aid workers provided to Haiti?

  Medication and maintaining order
• What is the significance of the earthquake's epicenter location?

  It was near a densely populated area
• When did the Boscastle flood occur?

  August 2004
• What caused the heavy rain in Boscastle?

  Storms in the Atlantic
• How did poverty in Haiti affect the earthquake's impact?

  Poverty exacerbated the damage and recovery
• What geographical features contributed to flash flood conditions in Boscastle?

  Steep mountains and deforestation
• What is a characteristic of a low-income country like Haiti?

  High levels of poverty
• How many cars were washed into the sea during the Boscastle flood?

  75 cars
• How many homes and businesses were destroyed in Boscastle?

  Approximately 100
• How many people had to be rescued by helicopter during the Boscastle flood?

  150 people
• What actions were taken after the Boscastle flood to prevent future flooding?

  Afforestation schemes were established
• What role did the environment agency play after the Boscastle flood?

  Responsible for the flood defence plan
• What was tested in 2007 regarding the flood defence plan in Boscastle?

  It was tested by heavy rain
• What was the outcome of the 2007 test of the flood defence plan?

  Little flooding occurred
• What specific agricultural practices were used in Australia to adapt to drought conditions?

  Shade planting was used
• What is draughtproofing in the context of the Australian government measures?

  Measures to prevent water loss
• How did deforestation contribute to the flooding in Boscastle?

  It increased runoff into the valley
• How many buildings were washed away in Boscastle?

  6 buildings