Education can't stop natural disasters from occurring, but it can help people prepare for the possibilities. The "Natural Hazards Potential Map of the Circum-Pacific Region" shows the potential for earthquakes and other geohazards, including tsunamis, in the Indian Ocean -- the same area that was affected by the December tragedy. For earthquakes, the colors of yellow, orange and red represent, from low to high, respectively, the chances for earthquake activity; for tsunamis, the potentials are indicated by L (low), M (moderate) and H (high). The map, just one example of information that officials are trying to communicate to inhabitants of threatened regions, is available from the AAPG Bookstore in paper format ($12) with a digital format forthcoming.

Graphic courtesy of AAPG Bookstore

DOWNLOAD FULL IMAGE