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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
Introduction
Answer
Seismic activity can pose varying threats depending on its location, with offshore seismic events often leading to tsunamis and widespread destruction that can affect coastal communities. Conversely, seismic activity on land can lead to different types of hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and damage to infrastructure. This essay evaluates the statement by exploring both offshore and onshore seismic activities.
Step 2
Evaluate offshore seismic threats
Answer
Offshore seismic activity frequently results in tsunamis, which can have catastrophic effects on coastal populations. For instance, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused significant loss of life and destruction, with over 230,000 fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage across several countries, demonstrating that offshore seismic events can lead to immediate and severe threats to people.
Step 3
Assess land-based seismic threats
Answer
On land, major earthquakes can also have devastating impacts, as evidenced by the 2010 Haiti earthquake, which resulted in about 250,000 deaths and extensive property damage. The effects of land-based seismic activities can be equally severe but are often more localized compared to the broad reach of tsunamis.
Step 4
Comparison of impacts
Answer
While both offshore and land seismic activities can lead to significant threats, the potential for widespread devastation is generally greater with offshore events due to tsunamis. However, land-based earthquakes can cause long-term socio-economic impacts and hinder recovery efforts due to damage to infrastructure.
Step 5
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while it can be argued that offshore seismic activities present a greater immediate threat due to their potential to trigger tsunamis, land-based seismic events are not to be underestimated. Both carry unique risks, and their impact can vary based on several factors, including local preparedness and response. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate each event on a case-by-case basis.