1. Compare and contrast the two earthquakes in Nepal and Chile using the table below. Copy the table in your copy, and fill it in.
Country
Magnitude of earthquake Name of plate boundaries Number of people killed and injured Social impacts
Economic impacts Response Nepal Chile
1. 2.
1. 2.
Short term: Long term:
1. 2.
1. 2.
Short term: Long term:
2. What evidence is there to suggest that Chile is richer and more economically developed than Nepal?
3.6 Reducing Earthquake Damage There are a number of ways that we can try to reduce the damage caused by earthquakes.
1. Predicting where an earthquake might occur: Scientists study historical records of when and where earthquakes have occurred at different plate boundaries. They can then predict where another earthquake might occur. Using monitoring equipment and lasers, and observing the behaviour of animals and levels of certain gases, scientists can gather information on any changes that are occurring. While this provides valuable data, scientists cannot be certain when earthquakes will occur.
2. Planning for earthquakes: Using maps of regions most at risk of earthquakes, planners can make decisions on which areas are unsuitable for the construction of certain buildings. For example, they would not build a hospital in an area that is at high risk of an earthquake.
3. Construction of earthquake-safe buildings: Buildings and bridges can be designed and built to resist the shaking that occurs during an earthquake. An example of an earthquake-proof building is the Torre Mayor skyscraper in Mexico City.