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'Seismic activity offshore will always present a greater threat to people than seismic activity on land.' To what extent do you agree with this view? - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 5
'Seismic activity offshore will always present a greater threat to people than seismic activity on land.' To what extent do you agree with this view?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Seismic activity offshore will always present a greater threat to people than seismic activity on land.' To what extent do you agree with this view? - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Knowledge and understanding of the impacts of seismic activity
Answer
Seismic activity can manifest in various forms, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. Offshore seismic events like earthquakes can trigger tsunamis that cause widespread devastation in coastal areas. These events are typically difficult to predict, leading to a higher potential for human casualties and property destruction. On the other hand, earthquakes occurring on land can also have significant impacts due to factors like population density and building infrastructure.
Step 2
Application of knowledge pertaining to offshore vs. on-land risks
Answer
Tsunamis generated by offshore seismic activity can travel vast distances and inundate coastal regions with little warning. For example, the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 resulted in over 230,000 deaths across multiple countries. In contrast, while earthquakes on land can also result in high casualty rates and devastating property damage, the nature of their impact can vary significantly based on local preparedness, building codes, and the immediate geological environment.
Step 3
Evaluation of the contrasting impacts of seismic activity
Answer
In evaluating the statement, it is crucial to consider both the immediate and long-term impacts of seismic activity. While offshore events can lead to large-scale catastrophes, land-based seismic events may affect larger populations depending on urbanization levels. For instance, the Haiti earthquake of 2010 had catastrophic consequences due to poor infrastructure and lack of preparedness, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage. Therefore, while offshore seismic events have the potential for catastrophic impact through secondary effects like tsunamis, the direct impact of land-based seismic activity can also be severe, underscoring the importance of context in assessing threat levels.