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      An example of effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an HIC

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use a named example to discuss the effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an HIC.

      Key learning points

      1. In March 2011, a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake shook the Japanese island of Honshu.
      2. Sudden slippage occurred along a destructive plate margin between the Pacific plate and the Okhotsk plate.
      3. Primary and secondary effects of the disaster caused the deaths of more than 18 000 people.
      4. 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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is an example of a tectonic hazard?

      Hurricanes
      Correct answer: Earthquakes
      Flooding
      Tornadoes

      Q2.
      What is the primary cause of earthquakes?

      Wind
      Solar energy
      Correct answer: Tectonic plate movements
      Ocean currents

      Q3.
      Which type of plate boundary is most commonly associated with volcanic eruptions?

      Transform
      Divergent
      Correct answer: Convergent
      Lateral

      Q4.
      Which of the following is a primary effect of an earthquake?

      Landslides
      Tsunami
      Correct answer: Building collapse
      Increased migration

      Q5.
      What is the name of the point on Earth's surface directly above an earthquake's origin?

      Crust
      Rift
      Focus
      Correct answer: Epicentre

      Q6.
      What type of volcano is characterised by gentle slopes and is primarily formed by basaltic lava flows?

      Stratovolcano
      Correct answer: Shield volcano
      Cinder cone
      Caldera

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which high-income country (HIC) experienced a major earthquake in 2011?

      Correct answer: Japan
      Italy
      Chile
      Turkey

      Q2.
      What is one of the primary impacts of an earthquake in a HIC?

      Limited access to medical care
      Immediate drought and food shortage
      Correct answer: Loss of life, damage to buildings and infrastructure
      Increased migration

      Q3.
      What was the primary cause of most of the destruction in the 2011 Tōhoku disaster?

      The earthquake alone
      Correct answer: The tsunami triggered by the earthquake
      Aftershocks from the earthquake
      The volcanic eruption

      Q4.
      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
      Correct answer: Tsunamis and fires

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