Chile 2015 earthquake case study revision

Main Subject

Geography

Key stage

KS4

What's included

Detailed case study notes covering location, causes, effects and responses
Student summary task using a 'Give me 5' diagram
Three exam-style questions with mark schemes and detailed guidance

Available as a downloadable PDF, or as an editable Word document for subscribers.

About the Chile earthquake case study

This resource examines the magnitude 8.3 earthquake that struck Chile in September 2015. The case study explores how the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate triggered a significant earthquake and tsunami, making it an excellent example for studying disaster preparedness in developed nations.

Revision and exam practice

Students can test their knowledge with carefully crafted exam-style questions that address key assessment objectives. The resource includes questions on earthquake preparedness, immediate responses, and the effectiveness of early warning systems.

Compare this case study of an HIC earthquake with our Nepal 2015 earthquake case study to explore how preparedness and responses differ between HICs and LICs.

Looking for more resources on earthquakes?

Explore our related teaching materials:

Browse more resources:

More earthquake resources
More case study resources

Get the complete Case study knowledge pack

This resource is a sample from our comprehensive Case study knowledge teaching pack. Get full access with a Premium subscription or purchase it separately for £15.

Chile 2015 earthquake case study notes

Development indicators

GDP: $298.2 billion
GDP per capita: $15 923
HDI: 0.847

Where is Chile?

Chile is located in the south west of South It is a coastal and mountainous country.
The epicentre of the earthquake was 46 km offshore from Illapel at a depth of 4 km. It lasted 120 seconds.

Cause of the earthquake in Chile

At 19.54pm on 16 September 2015 a 3 magnitude earthquake occurred 46 km away from Illapel.
The earthquake occurred on a fault line along the boundary of the Nazca and South American Plate – this is a subduction zone.

	Effects	Why was Chile more prepared in 2015?
Primary	Illapel immediately reported that people were without electricity and drinking water. 90 000 were left without electricity. 1 800 people were left without water. Over 600 people were left homeless as 60 houses had been destroyed and 200 damaged. Tall buildings swayed in Buenos Aires, which is 690 miles away from Illapel. 15 people died. 6 people were reported missing.	Following the 2010 earthquake the Chilean government were criticised for their response. Millions of dollars were invested in warning systems such as tsunami sirens, mobile phone messaging and building codes. All new buildings must be able to survive a 9.0 earthquake. Earthquake drills are practiced and the authorities carry out rescue simulations regularly.
		Responses to the earthquake
Secondary	The earthquake triggered a tsunami. Waves of 4.5 metres were observed along the coast of Coquimbo. Flooding was reported in Coquimbo, Tongoy and Concon. Large fishing vessels were swept into the streets of Coquimbo. The La Serena lighthouse was also damaged.	The Chilean army was deployed to Coquimbo following the tsunami. A state of emergency was declared in the Coquimbo region, which was put under the control of General Schafik Nazal. The coastal areas of Chile were evacuated due to the tsunami risk. Many residents were sent a text message telling them to evacuate. The evacuation order affected one million people. The tsunami warning system had been improved after the 2010 earthquake. Chile’s Independence Day festivities were cancelled. The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund provided humanitarian aid to 450 families.

All reviews

There are no reviews yet. Have you used this resource?