Can Tsunamis, Earthquakes, and Volcanic Eruptions That Occur due to Plate Tectonics Be Prevented - Coursework Example

Earth and Space Sciences Introduction Plate tectonic events are attributable to natural causes. It may be difficult to predict them, but their effects can be reduced through timely response. People have understood the theory of plate tectonics. This means that everyone is always ready for any earthquake, tsunami, or volcanic eruption event. The knowledge of plate tectonics has assisted people to plan for natural disasters (Rafferty, John p. 15). Discussion Plate tectonic events cause natural disasters.

Earth scientists reduce the effects of a natural disaster by relaying life-saving information. Good communication, computer and satellite technology enable officials to alert citizens of a looming natural hazard. Scientists have been able to understand why natural hazards occur and when to warn people about them. The government understands the timeline for a natural disaster. This enables it to manage its resources to maximize its efforts in assisting people during a natural disaster. A timeline is an elaboration of the occurrences of a particular event.

People have understood the different timelines of hazards to employ the required procedures to reduce risks in times of a natural disaster. The government should know the appropriate time to issue warnings about a hazardous event. Warnings should be timely; if they are issued too early and the event fails to occur, people may stop taking warnings seriously. City planners should issue a hazard watch and warning. A tsunami warning would mean that there are possibilities of tsunami conditions in a specific area.

A tsunami watch would mean that there are possibilities of tsunami conditions within 36 hours. Issuing hazard watches and warnings assist people living in a hazard prone area to plan for natural disasters. They should also issue regulations concerning building materials and height. Buildings should be built using strong and flexible materials (steel). Buildings with steel supports are cannot incur as much damage as buildings with heavy, brittle materials (mortar, brick and adobe). These regulations would ensure that people plan for natural disasters (Rafferty, John p. 27). Conclusion Plate tectonics has been known to be the cause of natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

People have understood the science behind the movements of the layers of the lithosphere. This knowledge has made such events testable and predictable, despite the fact that they are caused by natural disasters. Governments, city planners, and citizens ought to take the necessary measures to reduce the risks of a natural disaster. Reference Rafferty, John P.. Plate tectonics, volcanoes, and earthquakes. 1. ed. New York, NY: Britannica Educational Pub. in association with Rosen Educational Services, 2011. Print.