6.8 Case Studies — Managing Natural Hazards

2026 📋 Syllabus Objectives

By the end of these notes, you should be able to:

  1. Compare and contrast the strategies used to manage the impacts of tectonic events between a named More Economically Developed Country (MEDC) and a named Less Economically Developed Country (LEDC).
  2. Study the strategies used to manage the impacts of a tropical storm, flood, or drought.

📚 Main Content

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🔷 Objective 1: Managing Tectonic Events — MEDC vs LEDC

What is a Tectonic Event?

A tectonic event is a natural hazard caused by the movement of large sections of the Earth's crust called tectonic plates. When these plates move, they can cause:

  • Earthquakes — sudden shaking of the ground
  • Volcanic eruptions — hot molten rock bursting through the Earth's surface
  • Tsunamis — giant ocean waves triggered by underwater earthquakes

Key Terms You Need to Know First

  • MEDC (More Economically Developed Country) — a wealthy country with strong infrastructure, healthcare, and government services. Examples: Japan, USA, Italy.
  • LEDC (Less Economically Developed Country) — a poorer country with fewer resources, weaker infrastructure, and limited government services. Examples: Haiti, Nepal, Bangladesh.

🗾 Case Study 1 (MEDC) — Japan: Managing Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Japan sits on the "Ring of Fire" — an area around the Pacific Ocean where tectonic plates meet, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.

Strategies Japan Uses (MEDC)

1. Earthquake-Resistant Buildings Japan has strict building codes (rules about how buildings must be constructed). Buildings are designed to sway slightly during an earthquake rather than collapse. Many skyscrapers have special rubber pads in their foundations that absorb the shaking — this is called base isolation.

2. Early Warning Systems Japan has one of the most advanced early warning systems in the world. Sensors detect the first small waves of an earthquake and automatically send alerts to people's phones and TV channels — sometimes giving people 10–30 seconds of warning before the main shaking arrives. This is enough time to take cover.

3. Tsunami Barriers and Seawalls After the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Japan built enormous concrete seawalls (some over 15 metres tall) along its coastline to block incoming tsunami waves.

4. Regular Drills and Public Education Japanese people regularly practice earthquake drills at school, work, and home. Citizens know exactly what to do — they are educated about evacuation routes, emergency kits, and safe behaviours.

5. Tsunami Evacuation Routes and Signs Coastal towns have clearly marked evacuation routes (escape paths) and elevated platforms where people can flee to safety if a tsunami warning is issued.

6. Well-Funded Emergency Services Japan has well-trained search and rescue teams, hospitals equipped for disaster response, and a government with enough money to respond quickly and rebuild after disasters.

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