Describe the global distribution of either volcanoes or earthquakes.

Suggest three factors that might affect an individual’s perception of the risk posed by tectonic hazards.

“Hazard prediction is ineffective in reducing the impact of hazard events on people’s lives and property.” Discuss this statement, with reference to two different hazard types.

Award [1] for each of the following up to a maximum of [4]:

• concentrated around the Pacific rim/the “ring of fire”
• down the centre of the Atlantic Ocean
• the Caribbean archipelago
• East Africa rift valley
• Southern Europe/the Mediterranean
• Indonesian archipelago
• along plate margins
• any other valid distributional point (eg hotspots).

For the award of full marks the candidate must go beyond a simple list of countries (maximum [2]).

In each case, award [1] for each valid factor, and [1] for further development.

Possible factors include:

• awareness of the risk of hazards
• level of education
• frequency of occurrence of previous hazards
• government-sponsored awareness programs
• low magnitude of previous hazards
• length of stay in a hazard-prone area
• belief that they are protected against the hazard
• individual personality – risk taker/minimizer.

For example: The frequency of occurrence of previous hazards [1]. An area experiences frequent earthquakes so the population is very aware of the possible risk of damage by earthquakes [1]. Length of residence [1] – a person who has lived somewhere a long time may have experienced a rarer, high magnitude event and may have a greater perception of the level of risk [1].

Candidates should describe differences of prediction of particular hazards and comment on their effectiveness. Some hazard events are more predictable than others, for example volcanic eruptions may be accurately predicted, but it is very difficult to predict earthquakes or droughts. The timing of a hazard event may be predicted, but it is often more difficult to predict their magnitude and areal extent. Measures taken to minimize the impact of hazards may be insufficient to prevent significant loss of lives and destruction of property. Technological hazards may not be predictable yet the impacts can be severe.

Good answers will compare the reliability of prediction for two different hazards and discuss their effectiveness. They might also discuss measures taken to reduce the risk of hazards, such as land-use zoning, building codes, development of protective infrastructure, evacuation plans, and awareness programs. They might discuss that these may be ineffective when the hazard is of a higher magnitude than planned for. Reference should be made to different
examples.

For band D, expect some description of hazard prediction and effectiveness for two different hazard types

For band E, expect either a more detailed explanation of the relationship between hazard event prediction and hazard impacts, or a structured discussion of the effectiveness of prediction.

For band F, expect both of these elements.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.