Geographical Factors and Risk
Geographical Factors and Risk
This page develops in some depth the different localized geographical factors that influence risk. The lesson begins with a gallery/photo analysis activity to explore local factors. Students then look in more depth at resources based on the earthquakes at Sichuan, Kashmir and Bam and complete their noting sheet, examining geographical factors before, during and after the events. This can be followed up with the 9-card diamond ranking and discussion on generalized local geographical factors. The lesson concludes with the introduction to the essay assessment on risk.
Enquiry Question
How do geographic factors contribute to geophysical hazards becoming creating disasters?
Lesson Time: 1 Hour
Lesson Objectives:
To assess the importance of different geographic factors affecting geophysical hazard event impacts, including rural/urban location, time of day and degree of isolation.
Teacher Notes:
Starter - Local Physical Factors - Begin with the gallery and worksheet. For each image, students should consider the local physical factors that influence risk.
Map Analysis - Focus on the map evidence activity based on the satellite image and map of the Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami
Map Analysis - Show the maps within the site and students should attempt to identify information that would affect the severity of impacts before, during and following an earthquake for the four places examples.
Student Assessment - Essay Question - Run through the guidelines for the essay in class and set for homework - Discuss the extent to which to agree with the statement 'that risks that communities are exposed to from geophysical hazards depends almost entirely on the magnitude of the event'. (12)
Student Textbook Links
Starter Activity - Photo Analysis - Processes
Study the following gallery and for each image examine the local physical factors that influenced the level of risk to the geophysical hazards.
Starter Worksheet - Local Physical Factors
Student Activity - Map Analysis - Processes
Study the two maps showing the earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Using map evidence describe how the geographical location may have influenced the nature of hazards
Student Activity - Geographical Factors and Hazards - Processes
Study the following Twitter video capturing the extent of the liquefaction movement near Palu in Sulawesi.
What factors relating to the local geographical context do you think helped create the conditions for such devastating liquefaction?
Click the image
Student Activity - Earthquake Maps - Processes and Spatial Patterns
Study the maps below for Sichuan Province, Pakistan Kashmir and Bam, Iran
For each map use evidence to explain how geographical factors of the area and event exposed people to greater risk before during and after the earthquakes
9-Card Diamond Ranking Activity
Student Assessment - Essay Question - Places, Processes and Power
Discuss the extent to which you agree with the statement 'that risks that communities are exposed to from geophysical hazards depends almost entirely on the magnitude of the event'. (10)
- Defines keywords and addresses the statement by stating a clear argument
- Demonstrates clear evaluation of factors that influence risk in line with the question
- Uses a broad range of focused examples as evidence for the argument
- Develops a balanced but persuasive argument
- Takes a clear and well-stated view of the importance of the magnitude of the event