The advantages and disadvantages of predicting earthquakes

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The advantages and disadvantages of predicting
earthquakes
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Background Information

• Scientists have attempted several ways to predict
  earthquakes, however, none have been successful.
  When observing the earth, there have been no
  obvious signs that indicate the event. Scientists
  have noted that just before an earthquake hits
  vibrations can be detected, although this leaves
  little to no time for escape (Planet Science,
  n.d.).

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Advantages of Predictions
Disadvantages of Predictions

• Ability to prepare belongings and evacuate areas
• Chance to disconnect gas, electricity and water
• Allows for life to be saved human and animal
• Evacuation centres can be organised and prepared
• Chance to alert relatives etc. of safety
• (The Guardian, 2013)

• Fear of false alarms no fail proof system in
  place
• No concrete evidence to prove an earthquake is
  about to occur
• If people leave their homes, the possibility of
  looting and criminal offences becomes an
  increased opportunity
• Disaster may occur within a certain radius of the
  prediction and false preparation or lower
  magnitude disaster could occur
• Economical barriers paying for research,
  closure of businesses when potential threats are
  predicted, loss of income
• (The Guardian, 2013).

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• When attempting to predict earthquakes, it is
  evident that the disadvantages of a prediction
  system outweigh the advantages. As scientists
  have no concrete evidence to prove signals of an
  earthquake, any prediction made would encourage
  people to live in fear. Additionally, the warning
  would be disregarded by the public eventually, as
  the economic ramifications would take hold and
  affect all people involved in the prediction
  areas.

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References

• Planet Science. (n.d.). Over 11s natural world.
  Retrieved September 22, 2013, from
  http//www.planet-science.com/categories/over-11s/
  natural-world/2011/03/can-we-predict-earthquakes.a
  spx
• The Guardian. (2013). Attempts to predict
  earthquakes may do more harm than good. Retrieved
  September 22, 2013, from http//www.theguardian.co
  m/science/blog/2012/may/30/attempts-predict-earthq
  uakes-harm-good