A civil-protection officer has prepared Fig. 1 for residents of Grindavík, Iceland, after a new fissure opened on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The resource book...
Question 1 Report
A civil-protection officer has prepared Fig. 1 for residents of Grindavík, Iceland, after a new fissure opened on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The resource booklet figure combines fieldwork observations with a predicted lava-flow route. The arrows show the likely direction of lava if it follows the lowest ground. A lava barrier has been built north of the town, while Route B leads towards the coast. The officer wants residents to use the study figure when deciding how to leave safely and which services need protection.
(a) Identify three features in Fig. 1 that are at risk if lava reaches Grindavík. [3]
(b) Describe the relationship between the fissure, the predicted lava-flow arrows and the town. [4]
(c) Which evacuation route, A or B, should residents use according to Fig. 1? [2]
(d) Explain two ways in which the lava barrier could reduce the impact of the eruption on the town. [6]
(e) Outline five other actions that emergency planners could use to reduce risk to people and resources in Grindavík. [10]
Answer Details
(a) Three at-risk features are homes or buildings in Grindavík, the clinic, Route B, the harbour or coastal access, and people living in the town. Any three [1] points. [3]
(b) The fissure is north of the town [1]. Lava is predicted to move away from it towards lower ground [1]. Two or more arrows lead towards the area north or north-west of Grindavík [1], and the town lies close to the predicted route, downslope of the fissure. [1] [4]
(c) Residents should use Route A [1], because Route B is closer to, or could be crossed by, the predicted lava flow. [1] [2]
(d) The barrier may block or slow lava moving directly towards the town [3]. It may divert lava into a safer direction or unoccupied land [3], and can provide extra time for evacuation and protection of key services [3]. Explain any two. [6]
(e) Five actions, each outlined for [2], are required: monitor seismic activity, ground deformation and gas emissions; issue alerts through sirens, texts, radio or social media; organise and practise evacuation drills; provide signed routes and transport for people without cars; establish shelters with water, food, toilets and medical care; close roads likely to be cut by lava; move clinic patients, equipment and records; protect water, electricity and communications; and restrict access to the fissure and lava zone. [10]
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