1.1 The global distribution of tectonic hazards can be explained by plate boundary and other tectonic processes.

What is a hazard?

A potential threat to human life and property.

What are the two main types of natural hazards?

Hydro-meteorological hazards (caused by climatic processes) and geophysical hazards (caused by land processes).

Where do geophysical hazards typically occur?

Near plate boundaries.

What causes intra-plate earthquakes?

Pre-existing weaknesses in the crust that become reactivated, forming seismic waves. For example if solid crust which has weakened over time cracks under pressure.

What is a volcanic hotspot?

A localized area of the lithosphere with unusually high temperatures due to the upwelling of hot molten material from the core.

Who first theorized the concept of volcanic hotspots?

Tuzo Wilson in 1963.

What is an example of a volcanic hotspot?

The Hawaii hotspot where magma rises as a plume.

At which tectonic boundaries do the most powerful earthquakes usually occur?

Convergent or conservative boundaries.

What is the Oceanic Fracture Zone (OFZ)?

A belt of activity through the oceans and along mid-ocean ridges.

What is the Continental Fracture Zone (CFZ)?

A belt of activity along mountain ranges from Spain through the Alps to the Middle East and the Himalayas.

What trend has been observed in the total number of recorded hazards since 1960?

The total number of recorded hazards has increased.

What has happened to the number of fatalities from natural hazards since 1960?

The number of fatalities has decreased, but there are spikes during mega disasters.

How has population growth affected the impact of tectonic hazards?

The total number of people affected by tectonic hazards is increasing.

What has contributed to the increase in economic costs associated with hazards and disasters?

Increases in development, higher infrastructure repair costs, and more insurance policies in developed countries.

What are some challenges in reporting disaster impacts?

Difficulties include the timing of deaths, accessibility of rural areas, varying reporting methods, and potential government bias. Also depends if direct or indirect deaths were measured.

Why might the number of deaths reported by a government be biased?

Governments may underreport deaths to portray a positive image of their disaster response efforts.

What was the reported death toll by the Burmese government during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami?

Claimed there were 0 deaths.