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Lesson 10 of 12
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An example of effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an HIC
I can use a named example to discuss the effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an HIC.
Lesson 10 of 12
New
New
- AQA
An example of effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an HIC
I can use a named example to discuss the effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an HIC.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In March 2011, a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake shook the Japanese island of Honshu.
- Sudden slippage occurred along a destructive plate margin between the Pacific plate and the Okhotsk plate.
- Primary and secondary effects of the disaster caused the deaths of more than 18 000 people.
- Japan's position as an HIC influenced its immediate and long-term responses and their effectiveness.
Keywords
Magnitude - a measure of the energy released by an earthquake
Epicentre - the point on Earth's surface that is directly above where an earthquake happens underground
Common misconception
The earthquake caused most of the destruction in the 2011 Tohuku disaster.
While the magnitude 9.0 earthquake was powerful, Japan’s strict building regulations meant that most modern buildings withstood the shaking. It was the 10-metre-high tsunami that caused the majory of the destruction.
There is a range of very useful layers relating to the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in the ArcGIS online Map Viewer, which can be accessed with or without a log-in.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of a tectonic hazard?
Which of the following is an example of a tectonic hazard?
Hurricanes
Flooding
Tornadoes
Q2.What is the primary cause of earthquakes?
What is the primary cause of earthquakes?
Wind
Solar energy
Ocean currents
Q3.Which type of plate boundary is most commonly associated with volcanic eruptions?
Which type of plate boundary is most commonly associated with volcanic eruptions?
Transform
Divergent
Lateral
Q4.Which of the following is a primary effect of an earthquake?
Which of the following is a primary effect of an earthquake?
Landslides
Tsunami
Increased migration
Q5.What is the name of the point on Earth's surface directly above an earthquake's origin?
What is the name of the point on Earth's surface directly above an earthquake's origin?
Crust
Rift
Focus
Q6.What type of volcano is characterised by gentle slopes and is primarily formed by basaltic lava flows?
What type of volcano is characterised by gentle slopes and is primarily formed by basaltic lava flows?
Stratovolcano
Cinder cone
Caldera
Assessment exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.Which high-income country (HIC) experienced a major earthquake in 2011?
Which high-income country (HIC) experienced a major earthquake in 2011?
Italy
Chile
Turkey
Q2.What is one of the primary impacts of an earthquake in a HIC?
What is one of the primary impacts of an earthquake in a HIC?
Limited access to medical care
Immediate drought and food shortage
Increased migration
Q3.What was the primary cause of most of the destruction in the 2011 Tōhoku disaster?
What was the primary cause of most of the destruction in the 2011 Tōhoku disaster?
The earthquake alone
Aftershocks from the earthquake
The volcanic eruption
Q4.Which of the following is a secondary effect of an earthquake in a HIC?
Which of the following is a secondary effect of an earthquake in a HIC?
Improved international relations
Immediate increase in agricultural production
Decrease in population density