GCSE Geography Case Studies Revision & Exam Practice

1. Tectonic Hazards (LIC vs. HIC)

• Gorkha Earthquake, Nepal (2015 - LIC): Magnitude 7.8 Mw; 8,848 deaths; 16,800 injured; $10 billion cost (~50% GDP); avalanche on Mt Everest; immediate international rescue teams delayed by remote mountainous topography.
• Maule Earthquake, Chile (2010 - HIC) or Christchurch, NZ: Magnitude 8.8 Mw; 525 deaths; $30 billion damage; strict anti-seismic building codes (evacuations, robust infrastructure, rapid power restoration).

2. Tropical Storms

• Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines (2013 - Category 5): 315 km/h winds, 5m storm surge in Tacloban; 6,300 deaths; over 4 million displaced; Tacloban airport damaged; “Build Back Better” government response.

3. Extreme Weather & Flooding in the UK

• Somerset Levels Floods (2014): Wettest January since 1910; 600+ homes flooded; £147m economic impact; 20-year Flood Action Plan with river dredging (Parrett and Tone) and tidal barrier construction.

1. Urban Issues in a LIC/NEE City

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Favela-Bairro Project): Favela Rocinha improvements; pacifying police units (UPP); cable car transport in Complexo do Alemão; clean water and sanitation access for over 250,000 residents.
• Lagos, Nigeria: 15+ million population; Makoko floating community; Eko Atlantic project; rapid traffic congestion and informal sector employment (~40%).

2. Urban Regeneration in a Major UK City

• London / Stratford (Olympic Park Legacy 2012): Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; 10,000+ new homes in East Village; Westfields shopping complex creating 10,000 jobs; decontamination of industrial brownfield land.
• Bristol (Harbourside Regeneration & Temple Quarter): Conversion of derelict docks into cultural hub, green spaces, high-tech employment clusters, and sustainable transport networks.

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