Earthquake prediction and public policy

Book · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

OSTI ID:6641440

This report is intended for use by decision makers in Federal, State, and local governments and in private agencies; by leaders in the business community and other parts of the private sector; by scientists and engineers concerned with disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness; and by interested citizens. The conclusions and recommendations are placed first. The socially significant characteristics of earthquake prediction are examined. The principal hazards from earthquakes are identified and the strategy for dealing with them on the basis of advance warning is outlined. Ideas on how people will respond to an earthquake warning and guidelines for the release of predictions and warnings are given. Some of the economic aspects of the response to prediction are examined along with important legal issues and problems. The probability that the costs and inconveniences of earthquakes and prediction will fall disproportionately on some population segments is explored. Some of the implications of the political process for development of a constructive response to prediction are examined. The major ways in which earthquake prediction can be used to reduce the loss of life, the destruction of property, and the social disruption of the community are summarized. 85 references, 1 figure, 1 table. (RWR)

• OSTI ID: 6641440
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
58 GEOSCIENCES
580201* -- Geophysics-- Seismology & Tectonics-- (1980-1989)
COST
EARTHQUAKES
FORECASTING
HAZARDS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LEGAL ASPECTS
PUBLIC POLICY
RECOMMENDATIONS
SEISMIC EVENTS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS