In depth ssay plan for the CIE Geography A-level Paper 3 (v3) Q8 20 marker essay "Prediction is the most effective way of reducing the impacts of volcanic eruptions on lives and property. How far do you agree?".
The essay plan provides a clear introduction and 3 main body paragraphs. Each point...
Prediction is the most effective way of reducing the impacts of volcanic eruptions on lives and
property HFDYA? (20 marks)
Introduction:
A volcano is a surface landform resulting room the extrusion of magma from underground. Lava, ash,
rocks and gases are all erupted in various proportions. Every year around 60 volcanoes erupt; the
vast majority of these eruptions are relatively week. However, every few years much more violent
and potential life-threatening eruption takes place, therefore volcano eruptions can represent a
huge potential hazard to people and human activity. This essay will explore the ways of reducing the
impacts of volcanic eruptions on lives and property e.g prediction, preparedness and hazard
mapping, and assess their effectiveness.
Paragraph 1:
Prediction is a way in which the impacts of volcanic eruptions can be reduced. Volcanologists
attempt to forecast volcanic eruptions, but this has proven to be nearly as difficult as predicting an
earthquake. Many pieces of evidence can show that a volcano is about to erupt, but the time and
intensity is difficult to pin down.
A volcano about to erupt may produce a sequence of earthquakes - Moving magma shakes
the ground, so the number and size of earthquakes increase prior to a volcanic eruption
- Seismographs recording the length and strength of each earthquake are used in attempt
to determine if an eruption is imminent
Upwelling of magma pushes volcano’s slope upwards – the ground deformation is detected
by tilt meters measuring the change in slope angle
- e.g. Mount St. Helens grew a huge bulge on North side before its 1980s eruption.
Gas emissions – Scientists measure the gas emissions in vents on or around the volcano e.g.
sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and hydrochloride acid.
- Correlation Spectrometer is used to collect gas concentrations – often flown from
helicopters around the vent.
Study of past patterns of volcanic activity – determine potential recurrences.
HOWEVER: accuracy is difficult
Getting instruments on volcanoes can be difficult e.g. remote, dangerous and complicated to
work
- Difficult accessibility and high risk of collapse and explosion – imaging of active
volcanoes has been a great challenge
BUT new technology e.g. drones can be flown directly over the crater to gather data used to
determine flow velocity, movement patterns and surface temperature of volcanoes
- thermal imaging and high-resolution photographs – reduces risk of volcanologists
- German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ
Many locations do not have adequate data due to financial constraints – sometimes looking
for wrong signals?
IMPACT OF LIVES AND PROPERTY DEPENDS ON PREPAREDNESS AND PERCEPTION OF RISK
Paragraph 2:
Preparedness is an important way in which lives and property and be protected from volcanic
eruptions.
Iceland – Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management
Education campaigns – emergency training and exercising to give staff hands on experience
on appropriate behavioural responses when eruption warnings are issues.
Education of tourists – Iceland is a major tourist destination – information brochures and
emergency information app
LT preparation – adequate post-hazard mental health provision – maintain standard of living
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