3.8 Predicting and Preparing for Earthquakes

Risk assessment

The process of identifying and evaluating potential dangers or hazards in an area, determining how likely they are to occur, and deciding what measures need to be taken to reduce the risks.

Prediction

The use of scientific tools, data, and knowledge to estimate when, where, and how strong a natural event, like a storm or earthquake, might be before it happens.

Mitigation

Actions taken to make hazards less severe, dangerous, painful, harsh, or damaging. For example, planting mangroves, as these trees help reduce storm surge and wave energy, protecting coastal areas by addressing the hazard at its source (the storm surge).

Adaptation

Adjustments made to cope with a hazard when it occurs or when it is unavoidable. For example, elevating homes takes into account that flooding will likely happen during a hurricane, and this measure allows homeowners to adjust to the expected hazard.

Warning systems

Technology and communication methods used to give people advance notice of an approaching hazard, like a storm or tsunami, so they have time to prepare or evacuate.

Remote sensing and GIS

Involves collecting data about the Earth's surface from satellites or aircraft, while GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a computer system used to map, analyze, and interpret that data to make decisions, such as tracking environmental changes or planning disaster responses.

Preparation

Actions taken before a natural hazard occurs to ensure that individuals, communities, and governments are ready to respond. This includes creating emergency plans, training first responders, gathering supplies, and educating people on evacuation routes and safety measures. The goal is to reduce harm and chaos.