A powerful earthquake struck Southern California early this morning, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The 6.7 magnitude quake was centered in the community of Northridge, just outside of Los Angeles. It struck at 4:30 am local time, when many people were still asleep. The shaking caused buildings and highways to collapse. Over 20,000 residences were destroyed. Tragically, 57 people lost their lives in the disaster. Estimates put financial losses from the quake in the billions. Emergency responders are working around the clock to rescue trapped individuals and provide aid to those displaced. More aftershocks are expected in the

1. Check that you know our key words from our topic so far by unscrambling these anagrams
(Tip: the amount of the words in the anagram does not show how many words there are!)
OVAL CON
A QUARK THEE
SERVICED TUT
CONVICTS TRUE
CLEAN TIN TON
BACON BLOC VIN
SCARCITY FLOP OWL
SEA AIR NU
A BAD REFUELING PHOTO QUIRK
MEMORISE SET
VOLCANO
EARTHQUAKE
DESTRUCTIVE
CONSTRUCTIVE
CONTINENTAL
VOLCANIC BOMB
PYROCLASTIC FLOW
EURASIAN
EARTHQUAKE PROOF BUILDING
SEISMOMETER

2. Links to the syllabus
• This is your example of an MEDC earthquake

3. Where is California?

4. USA Earthquake Hazard Risk Map
What does this
map show
about
earthquakes in
the USA?

6. Tectonic Setting
On your blank map label
on:
•The San Andreas Fault
•The direction of the
movement of the plates
•Three big cities: San
Francisco, Los Angeles
and San Diego
•The epicentre of the
Northridge Earthquake
(shown by the star)
THEN: Describe
Northridge’s Tectonic
Setting in the box.
The San Andreas Fault is a
fault line made up of many
segments. Any of them
could move at any time.

7. So, why would people live there?
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l01KuG0V
U5U
• Watch this clip and jot down some bullet
points as to why people would still live in the
earthquake-prone state

8. What happened?
• Use the orienteering cards around the room to
take notes into your 4 boxes about what
happened in Northridge in 1994 (DON’T COPY!)
Extension: How do you think the time of day and date
may have affected the death toll?

9. Exam Question Corner
Choose a tectonic event: Northridge Earthquake 1994
Explain the natural processes which caused this event
and how human activities affected the impact of the
natural hazard. (8 marks)
Helpful phrases:
‘this meant that’
‘as a result’
‘consequently’
Facts & Figures!

10. Case study will be marked using 3 levels
If no valid names area = Max L2, 5 marks maximum for valid ideas about
processes and impact
0 marks No evidence submitted or response does not address the question.
Level 1: [1-3 marks] Basic explanation of processes causing the hazard or effects of
humans on the impact of the hazard.
Demonstrates limited relevant knowledge and information. Written work contains
mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation, which sometimes hinder
communication.
Level 2: [4-6 marks] Explanation of processes causing the hazard and effects of
humans on the impact of the hazard with limited development. Demonstrates
some relevant knowledge based on a range of factual information and evidence.
Written work is legible and spelling, grammar and punctuation are mostly
accurate. Meaning is communicated clearly.
Level 3: [7-8 marks] Thorough and developed explanation of causes of the hazard
and effects of humans on the impact of the hazard – specific to particular event.
Demonstrates thorough knowledge based on a full range of relevant factual
information and evidence. Written work is legible and spelling, grammar and
punctuation are accurate. Meaning is communicated very clearly.

11. Radio News Report
• Write a quick 30-second
radio news report to sum up
what happened on 17/1/94.
Include facts and figures
where you can