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Lesson 11 of 12
- AQA
An example of effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an LIC
I can use a named example to discuss the effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an LIC.
Lesson 11 of 12
New
New
- AQA
An example of effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an LIC
I can use a named example to discuss the effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an LIC.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In January 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti in the Caribbean, one of the world's poorest countries.
- The earthquake was caused by slippage at the conservative margin between the Caribbean plate and North American plate.
- Primary and secondary effects of the disaster caused the deaths of more than 220 000 people.
- Haiti's position as an LIC 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 extreme destruction in Haiti was the result of the earthquake magnitude being unusually powerful.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.0, which is not unusually powerful. The high death toll and destruction were due to Haiti’s poor infrastructure, weak building regulations and lack of preparedness, not just the earthquake’s strength.
Once students have notes on both their HIC and their LIC (or NEE) example, they can compare the effects and responses using an exam-style question, such as: To what extent do the responses to a tectonic hazard vary between areas of contrasting wealth? Use two named examples in your answer.
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.What does the acronym LIC stand for?
What does the acronym LIC stand for?
Large International City
Low Investment Corporation
Limited Income Category
Q2.What are tectonic plates?
What are tectonic plates?
Large bodies of water
Earth's core
Layers of atmospheric gases
Q3.What is the main cause of an earthquake?
What is the main cause of an earthquake?
Volcanic eruptions
Ocean currents
Meteor strikes
Q4.Which of the following can be a secondary effect of an earthquake?
Which of the following can be a secondary effect of an earthquake?
Seismic waves
Fault lines
Ground shaking
Q5.What is formed at a convergent plate boundary?
What is formed at a convergent plate boundary?
Earthquakes
Volcanoes and geysers
Ocean currents
Q6.How do tectonic plates move?
How do tectonic plates move?
They remain stationary
They travel through Earth's core
They change shape depending on temperature
Assessment exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010?
What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010?
6.0
9.0
Q2.Which of the following was a primary effect of the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
Which of the following was a primary effect of the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
Increase in tourism
Air travel restrictions
Rebuilding of roads
Q3.Why did the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti in 2010 cause such extreme destruction?
Why did the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti in 2010 cause such extreme destruction?
The earthquake was unusually powerful
Haiti had a high number of earthquakes in a short period
The earthquake occurred at a much deeper depth
Q4.How did the earthquake affect the population of Haiti?
How did the earthquake affect the population of Haiti?
Increased population growth
Reduced poverty rates
Improvement in healthcare