How would I go about answering a nine mark question like the one below? Name an earth hazard event in an MEDC. Describe the methods used to reduce the impact of the earth hazard and assess how successful these methods were.
9 markers are looking for you to accurately select and apply your case study and theoretical knowledge. It's really important that you meet the needs of the question, you must make sure the points you make are relevant (don't just write down everything you know about a case study you feel confident about!). This question asks you to first identify some methods (it is good practice to aim for 3) and then assess how successful they were in reducing the impact of the event.
Lets take the 1989 San Francisco earthquake as an example. One point you might like to make is how important high quality, resistant built structures were in reducing the impacts of the earthquake.
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State the factor : 'One key method in the reduction of the impacts of the Loma Prieta earthquake was the construction of earthquake resistant structures.'
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Develop your point, add supporting detail. 'The modern buildings in San Francisco were built to comply to strict building regulations. These structures were constructed with aseismic designs often using reinforced steel uprights and corner braces. The first element allowed buildings to absorb the energy of the earthquakes, while the others prevented structure collapse.'
3. Now go on to discuss how successful these methods were: 'The majority of deaths that occured in this event can be attributed to the failure of structures which were not earthquake resistant. The collapse of the Nimitz Highway for example, led to the deaths of 42 people out of a total of 63 in the entire event. A lot of damage was also seen in the old Marina District, where wooden houses 50-100 years old were devastated due to poor design. Elsewhere, although structural damage was common, structural failure was prevented through protective designs, saving the lives and property of the people. '
