What are primary and secondary effects of a tectonic hazard and why might people continue to live in a hazardous area?

Tectonic hazards are those caused by the movement of tectonic plates on the earth's surface, such as earthquakes and volcanoes. Primary effects occur as a direct result of the movement; for example, ground shaking or lava flows. Secondary effects occur as a result of primary effects; for example in the case of an earthquake plate movement can cause tsunamis, as well as both volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in causing water contamination and fires. Although there are potential risks of living in tectonic hazard areas, many people continue to live there: why? If the benefits of the are outweigh the costs of the hazards many may chose to live there. For example, volcanic soils can be extremely fertile and hazards may have a low frequency of incidence.

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Answered by Sarah L. Geography tutor

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