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

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      Key learning points

      1. In January 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti in the Caribbean, one of the world's poorest countries.
      2. The earthquake was caused by slippage at the conservative margin between the Caribbean plate and North American plate.
      3. Primary and secondary effects of the disaster caused the deaths of more than 220 000 people.
      4. 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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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.
      What does the acronym LIC stand for?

      Large International City
      Correct answer: Low Income Country
      Low Investment Corporation
      Limited Income Category

      Q2.
      What are tectonic plates?

      Large bodies of water
      Earth's core
      Correct answer: Pieces of Earth's crust that move and interact
      Layers of atmospheric gases

      Q3.
      What is the main cause of an earthquake?

      Volcanic eruptions
      Ocean currents
      Correct answer: Tectonic plate movements
      Meteor strikes

      Q4.
      Which of the following can be a secondary effect of an earthquake?

      Seismic waves
      Fault lines
      Ground shaking
      Correct answer: Landslides

      Q5.
      What is formed at a convergent plate boundary?

      Earthquakes
      Correct answer: Mountains, volcanoes, or deep ocean trenches
      Volcanoes and geysers
      Ocean currents

      Q6.
      How do tectonic plates move?

      They remain stationary
      Correct answer: They slowly slide along the mantle's surface
      They travel through Earth's core
      They change shape depending on temperature

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010?

      6.0
      Correct answer: 7.0
      9.0

      Q2.
      Which of the following was a primary effect of the 2010 Haiti earthquake?

      Increase in tourism
      Correct answer: Collapse of buildings and infrastructure
      Air travel restrictions
      Rebuilding of roads

      Q3.
      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
      Correct answer: Haiti’s poor infrastructure and weak building regulations contributed greatly
      The earthquake occurred at a much deeper depth

      Q4.
      How did the earthquake affect the population of Haiti?

      Correct answer: Displacement of over a million people
      Increased population growth
      Reduced poverty rates
      Improvement in healthcare

      To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: An example of effects and responses to a tectonic hazard in an LIC, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...