1. The 1995 Kobe Earthquake Lesson Objective:
To understand the cause, effect and response to the Kobe Earthquake

2. Characteristics of earthquakes
A boundary within the earths crust
Where the earthquake is first felt on the surface
The origin of the earthquake
Energy that is released from an earthquake
Seismic waves

3. Task: Explain the cause of the earthquake
Task: Explain the cause of the earthquake. You must use all of the following words
Oceanic crust
Continental crust
subducted
pressure
friction
Focus (16km)
Subduction zone
Convection currents
Eurasian plate
Denser
Pacific Plate
Sudden release

4. Earthquake effects Many people remained homeless for months
Over 100,000 buildings collapsed
30,000 people badly injured
300,000 people left homeless
Emergency services struggled to cope
Over 5000 people died
Over $ 100 billion worth of damage
Fires broke out due to gas leaks
Roads and bridges collapsed

5. How did the economic development of Japan affect its ability to respond to the earthquake?
Water, electricity, gas, telephone services were fully working by July 1995
The railways were back in service by August 1995
A year after the earthquake, 80% of the port was working but the Hanshin Expressway was still closed.
By January 1999, 134,000 housing units had been constructed but some people were still having to live in temporary accommodation.
New laws were passed to make buildings and transport structures even more earthquake proof.
More instruments were installed in the area to monitor earthquake movements.
People are educated on earthquake preparation in Japan.
Japan has the world’s most comprehensive prediction programme with thousands of seismometers and monitoring stations in Japan designed to give warning. Kobe hadn’t had an earthquake in 400years and had less prediction equipment than other areas of Japan.