Edexcel Unit 4 - Tectonics (and structuring!)

I know its probably a bit early to start this thread, but I'm already starting revision (despite no pre-release material) and I'm getting a bit confused with a few concepts.

Last years thread is amazingly useful, but we could probably do with a more current one. Last years - http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1657420

My biggest problem at the moment is the structure of the report. I have most of the knowledge (I think) but my sectioning is 'off' and I never seem to remember to source all the way through.

What do you guys think of the pre-release?

"Explore the factors which influence the effectiveness of responses used by different groups of people to cope with tectonic hazards.

Research volcanic and seismic hazards to examine the range of responses applied in contrasting locations."

To me it looks quite straight forward - management strategies and post-hazard responses case studies and theory work. Any good case studies?

I'm not a big fan of responses!! Dammnnn!
In terms of case studies not really thought yet - maybe compare Kobe and Sendai (how things have improved) - then assess factors for other case studies so that I come up with contrasting factors that will alter the responses. What are you thinking? What theories you reckon? Have you done stuff like Parks model?
Haha..we are keen aren't we!!

I'm pleasantly surprised with the pre-release. Despite being naturally inclined towards physical geography (hence why I've applied for Geology at uni), the topic is pretty straightforward and there's plenty of case studies to choose from. The only thing I don't quite understand is the use of term "different groups of people". Is this referring to different communities as a whole (MEDC vs LEDC, different cultures), or individuals (demographics) within a country? Obviously no one can answer with any certainty but thoughts would be appreciated.

I think they are maybe wanting references to different groups of people - e.g. you consider different countries, different groups, cultures responses etc. Seeing as stakeholders and players were a big synoptic part in the rest of the course, they could be making a link? Just my idea...

I agree with this. In fact, using this as an idea, it possibly be a main part of the question - i.e the "evaluation" that you have to make might be which are the most important factors which lead to the success/failure of certain groups of people's responses...

I'm pleasantly surprised with the pre-release. Despite being naturally inclined towards physical geography (hence why I've
applied for Geology at uni), the topic is pretty straightforward and there's plenty of case studies to choose from. The only thing I don't quite understand is the use of term "different groups of people". Is this referring to different communities as a whole (MEDC vs LEDC, different cultures), or individuals (demographics) within a country? Obviously no one can answer with any certainty but thoughts would be appreciated.

Good call regarding the 'groups of people bit'. I haven't done much on it, when I first read it my initial thought was like local/national/international governments, local communities, NGOs, TNCs...although after reading other suggestions this is more than likely wrong. Doing a bit of work on it now so I will have a rethink!

Good call regarding the 'groups of people bit'. I haven't done much on it, when I first read it my initial thought was like local/national/international governments, local communities, NGOs, TNCs...although after reading other suggestions this is more than likely wrong. Doing a bit of work on it now so I will have a rethink!

Here's a few off the top of my head:

MEDC

2011 Sendai earthquake (Japan)
2011 Christchurch earthquake (New Zealand)
2010 Chile earthquake
1995 Kobe earthquake (Japan)
1994 Northridge earthquake (California)
2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption (Iceland)
2002 Mt. Etna eruption (Sicily)
1991 Mt. Unzen eruption (Japan)
1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption (Washington)

LEDC

2010 Haiti earthquake
2005 Kashmir earthquake (Pakistan)
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake
2003 Bam earthquake (Iran)
1999 İzmit earthquake (Turkey)
2010 Mt. Merapi eruption (Indonesia)
2002 Nyiragongo eruption (Democratic Republic of Congo)
1995/1997 Soufrière Hills eruptions (Montserrat)
1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption (Philippines)
1985 Nevado del Ruiz eruption (Colombia)

NIC

2008 Sichuan earthquake (China)
2001 Gujarat earthquake (India)

The list is pretty vague and incomplete at the moment; I'll try to expand on it later. I've tried to include case studies from as many areas of the world as possible, as the examiners do love a bit of variety. I've also favoured events that have happened within the past 25 years or so, as there's a lot more information around about the responses to more recent disasters.