2.6 Reducing the risks from tectonic hazards

• Volcanic Monitoring:

  1. High-tech tools like satellites for remote sensing to detect heat changes.

  2. Seismographs to pick up on the slightest tremors, indicating potential eruptions.

  3. Ground deformation tools, such as laser beams, to detect changes in the shape of the land that may suggest an imminent volcanic event.

• Earthquake Monitoring:

  1. Small tremors, known as microquakes, can sometimes precede larger earthquakes.

  2. Technologies to measure subtle changes in the landscape or shifts in groundwater levels, which may indicate rising stress within the Earth's crust.

• Volcanic Protection:

  1. Engineering methods to redirect lava flows and protect property, as has been done successfully in places like Mount Etna, Italy.

• Earthquake Protection:

  1. Regular earthquake drills to keep populations prepared.

  2. Building codes that ensure structures are built to withstand seismic activity, minimising damage during an earthquake

• Risk Assessment and Mapping:

  1. Identifying high-risk areas through detailed assessments and creating hazard maps.

  2. Utilizing these maps for emergency planning, such as evacuation routes and safe zones.

• Infrastructure and Community Planning:

  1. Informing building practices in vulnerable areas to ensure structures are robust enough to handle tectonic stress.

  2. Community development plans that consider the likelihood and impact of tectonic events.

Predicting Volcanic Eruptions:

• Advances in geotechnical monitoring and data analysis have improved the prediction of volcanic eruptions.

• Techniques such as gas emission monitoring, thermal imaging, and analysis of historical eruption patterns contribute to prediction models.

Predicting Earthquakes:

• Earthquake prediction remains challenging due to the complex nature of seismic activity and the lack of reliable precursors.

• Historical records are used to estimate the likelihood of future earthquakes in a given area. 

• Misconception 1: Tectonic hazards are unpredictable and nothing can be done to mitigate risks.

  • The reality: With modern technology, many tectonic events can be monitored, and risks can be significantly reduced through planning and protection measures.

• Misconception 2: Earthquake-resistant buildings are completely earthquake-proof.

  • The reality: These buildings are designed to reduce damage, not to be entirely immune to earthquakes.

• Misconception 3: Volcanic eruptions can be predicted with precise accuracy.

  • The reality: While monitoring has improved, predicting the exact timing and scale of volcanic eruptions remains challenging