SHS

DISASTER READINESS AND

RISK REDUCTION
Quarter 2 – Week 2
Module 2- Interpreting Geological Maps
DISASTER READINESS AND RISK REDUCTION
Grade 11/12 Quarter 2 - Module 2- Interpreting Geological Maps

First Edition, 2020

Copyright © 2020
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without
written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: MARIVIC F. CAROLINO

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, Ph.D.

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

German E. Flora, Ph.D., CID Chief

Virgilio C. Boado, Ph.D., EPS in Charge of LRMS

Rominel S. Sobremonte, Ed.D., EPS in Charge of Science

Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II

Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II

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DISASTER READINESS AND
RISK REDUCTION
Quarter 2 – Week 2
Module 2- Interpreting
Geological Maps
 Target

Lack of awareness about the range of consequences of a hazard event is the

big reason why many take natural hazards for granted. People are not the only ones
who can be affected by hazards. Can you name other things which might be affected?
For some, this might not be an easy task as disasters do not happen every day. One
should however try to think in terms of who and what might be affected if something
goes wrong. There is no better place to start than at home. Familiarizing yourselves
with smaller elements that are exposed to hazard is no different from doing it with
bigger things exposed to bigger source of danger.

This module will provide you with information and activities that will help you
understand the different elements of geohazard maps and risk assessment.

After going through this learning material, you are expected to:

1. interpret geological maps (DRR11/12-IIa-b-30)

2. apply mitigation strategies to prevent loss of lives and properties
(DRR11/12-IIa-b-31)

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 Jumpstart

Activity 1: What I Know

Below are questions you have to answer. Use a separate sheet of paper for your
answers.

1. A natural event or process which affects people causing loss of life or injury.
A. Hazard B. Disaster C. Disaster risk D. Exposure

2. The potential disaster losses, in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets and
services, which could occur to a particular community or a society
over some specified future time period.
A. Hazard B. Disaster C. Disaster risk D. Exposure

3. People, property, systems, or other elements present in hazard zones that

are thereby subject to potential losses.
A. Hazard B. Disaster C. Disaster risk D. Exposure

4. A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving

widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts,
which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using
its own resources.
A. Hazard B. Disaster C. Disaster risk D. Exposure

5. The combination of all the strengths, attributes and resources available

within a community, society or organization that can be used to achieve agreed
goals.
A. Exposure B. Vulnerability C. Capacity D. Hazard

6. A condition involving mass casualty and/or major damages to property,

disruption of means of livelihoods, roads and normal way of life of people
in the affected areas as a result of the occurrence of natural or human-induced
hazard.
A. State of calamity b. Capacity C. Disaster D. Disaster Risk

7. A dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that may

cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of
livelihood and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage.
A. Hazard B. Disaster C. Disaster risk D. Exposure

8. The characteristics and circumstances of a community, system or asset

that make it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard.
A. State of calamity b. Capacity C. Vulnerability D. Exposure

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 9. Which of the following is an essential component of exposure?
A. People, property, systems and other elements.
B. That are thereby subject to potential loss.
C. Present in hazard zones.
D. All of the above

10. In the world risk index, the following in on the list of most exposed
country worldwide, except _____________.
A. Japan b. Indonesia C. Costa Rica D. Chile

Discover

Geological Hazard Map

A geological hazard map is a map indicating the areas that are vulnerable to hazards
caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. It is a tool used by
scientists and local government authorities to anticipate any hazard that a geological
event may bring. It also helps the public be informed and prepared for the geological
hazard. It represents the distribution of different types of rocks and surficial deposits,
as well as location of geologic structures such as faults and folds. Rock types or
unconsolidated materials are generally grouped into map units and depicted using
different colors.

How can you determine if a certain location is prone to geological hazards?

How do you read a geological hazard map?

You must take note of the following elements in studying the geological hazard map:
1. Orientation compass
2. Map title - indicates what type of information is being presented by the map
Example: Landslide and Flood Susceptibility Map of La Union
3. Symbols - are the points, lines, shapes, and colors used on the map. For
example, a line may indicate faults or tsunamis while a triangular shape may
represent a volcano.
For Rain Induced Landslide Prone Areas: Red; Green; Yellow
For Flood-Prone Areas: Violet; Pink

Dark Colors: used to represent Igneous rocks

Light Shade: represents Sedimentary rocks

The typical color standard for topographical maps depicts contours in brown,
bodies of water in blue, boundaries in black and grids and roads in red.
Topographic maps may use different colors to represent area features.
Physical maps commonly use color most dramatically to show changes in
elevation.

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 4. Legend - tells you specifically what symbols mean.
5. Coordinates

Components of a Geological Map:

1. Map units – show different rock types and other earth materials with specific
color and symbol.
2. Contacts and Faults
3. Strike and Dip

Hazard Identification and Assessment

Hazard Assessment is the process of estimating, for defined areas, the

probabilities of the occurrence of potentially damaging phenomenon of given
magnitude within a specified period of time (UNDRO)
If you are living in an area exposed to multiple hazards, you should try to
gather information about hazards and the threats they pose. Individuals, disaster
– related agencies, and planners do this sort of information gathering and analysis
as part of their hazard assessment (Hazard Evaluation or Hazard Analysis), which
is required to come up with risk assessment. Hazard Assessment and Risk
assessment are two different concepts. Risk Assessment involves both the
assessment of hazards from a scientific point of view and the socioeconomic
impacts of a hazardous event. Thus, without hazard assessment, no risk
assessment can be complete. Scientists employ various methods to assess
natural hazards. These include the following:
1. Quantitative Approach
The use of mathematical functions or equations relating the hazard
variables used are formulated or adopted to quantify the hazard. Data from
past historical records and from those derived from basic science
principles are used to come up with the relationship between the variables
considered.
2. Qualitative approach
This method uses expert opinion in ranking the intensity or probability of
occurrence of a hazard event. It is more preferred especially when data is
not enough to come up with a quantitative evaluation or when it is not
possible to express numerically one or more variables.
3. Probabilistic Approach
It provides an objective estimate of the probability of each hazard affecting
an area or region by considering past record of events. Probability of
occurrence of rainfall of a given intensity can be estimated.
4. Deterministic Approach
Subjective approach of estimating probability. A past event of a given
intensity or magnitude is selected and the consequences at certain
intensities are described.

Hazard Mapping
Hazard mapping is the process of identifying the spatial variation of hazard
events or physical conditions such as potential ground shaking, steep slopes,
floodplains, and hazardous materials site. Through this process, one side of the
hazard –exposure – vulnerability risk triangle maybe displayed in hazard maps.
For information and education campaigns, hazard scientists and land-use
planners, hazard maps are indispensable.
A hazard map is quite useful in communicating vital information about the
spatial variation of size and potential intensity of a particular hazard. The overlay

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 function of GIS (Geographic Information System), which combines multiple
hazard maps (MHMs) makes risk analysis more convenient. MHMs provide
comprehensive information on the magnitude, frequency, and area of effect of all
the hazards combined with critical facilities map. (CFM). CFMs accurately and
clearly portray the location, capacity, and service area of critical facilities. The
combination of these maps allows determination of areas requiring more
information, whish areas require what type of hazard reduction measures, and
which ones need priority attention in case of hazardous event. Ways of minimizing
vulnerability of critical facilities are adopted, disasters can be avoided or
substantially lessened. Ways of minimizing vulnerability include relocating to
least hazardous areas, strengthening and retrofitting, boosting emergency
preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Natural Hazards Mapping Methods and Techniques

1. Use of various field techniques like compass, GPS or stadia rods to establish
the locations and orientations of relevant geologic materials, landforms, and
structures. Symbols and colors are used to represent the different features in
topographic base maps.
2. Stereoscopic pairs of air photographs enable three-dimensional visualization
of the features of the area being mapped. Digital Elevation models (DEMs)
serve similar purpose. DEMs are derived from high resolution satellite images.
3. Scientific investigation involving experts from various fields. Landslide hazard
mapping would require skills of geologists, geo-technical engineers, and
morphologists

Earthquake Hazard Map (Refer to the picture)

The map below shows the earthquake-prone areas in the Philippines. Based on the
legend, the different locations are colored depending on the number of earthquake
hits for the past 30 years. For example, Baguio City (Benguet), which is found in the
northern part of Luzon, experienced 76-100 earthquakes. Meanwhile, Puerto
Princesa City (Palawan), which is in the Southwest of Luzon, experienced fewer
earthquakes (0-11).
The top ten provinces that are most prone to earthquakes are:
1. Surigao Del Sur
2. La Union
3. Benguet
4. Pangasinan
5. Pampanga
6. Tarlac
7. Ifugao
8. Davao Oriental
9. Nueva Vizcaya
10. Nueva Ecija

Surigao del Sur, along with Davao Oriental, are earthquake-prone because
they are located along the Philippine Trench and because of nearby active fault lines.
Deep-focus earthquakes that are experienced in La Union and Pangasinan are due
to the Manila Trench, while shallow earthquakes in these areas together with Nueva
Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, and Benguet are generally due to their location along the
Philippine Fault Zone. Although Ifugao experienced fewer earthquakes in the past, it
is still very vulnerable to future earthquakes.
In addition, the size of the red dots indicates the magnitudes of the earthquakes that
hit the area for the past 30 years. For example, a large dot in Manila indicates that

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the magnitude of the earthquake is 7.3 to 7.6. On the other hand, a tiny dot, as seen
in areas around Palawan, means that the magnitude of earthquake is around 5.5 to
6.2.

Tsunami Prone Areas Hazard Map (Refer to the picture)

The following map shows the places along the coastal areas in the Philippines that
are prone to tsunami hazards. Cyan, magenta, and yellow lines indicate the potential
of the tsunami and the tsunami generators. When the earthquake occurs in the
Philippines, then tsunami is locally generated. On the other hand, an earthquake
that occurs outside the country may be a foreign tsunami generator for the
Philippines. Majority of the coastal areas in Luzon (with the exception of Palawan
and northern islands) have a high tsunami potential with historical tsunami records.
Meanwhile, the coastal places in the Visayas region also show tsunami potential
mostly from local generators with a small percent of foreign generators. Furthermore,
in the Mindanao region, high tsunami potential is also evident in the mainland area
while the small islands located in the southwest show tsunami potentials by local
generators. Tsunamis that are locally generated are more dangerous than those that
are generated by foreign or distant sources because they may reach a nearby shore
in few minutes. There may not be enough time for tsunami warning centers to issue
a warning. People living near the coast with high risk of locally generated tsunami
must be alert when there is a reported earthquake in their area. They must observe
unusual ocean changes and listen to loud ocean roars. They must evacuate
immediately when they sense these natural tsunami warning signs.

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Distribution of Volcanoes Map

Below is the map showing the distribution of volcanoes all over the Philippines. These
volcanoes are classified as active (red), potentially active (orange), and inactive (gray).
Places where active and potentially active volcanoes are prone to hazards of volcanic
activities or volcanic eruptions. For example, Mayon Volcano situated in Albay in the
Bicol Region, is known not only for its perfect cone, but also for its volcanic activities.
It has 49 recorded eruptions as of 2013. The areas surrounding the volcano are
highly affected by volcanic hazards. On the contrary, Palawan is not vulnerable to
volcanic eruption hazards since there are very few volcanoes near the area and all of
them are inactive.

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Earthquake-Induced Shallow Landslides Map

Places that have landslide hazards are presented in the map below. The legend tells
you the levels of the danger of the occurrence of landslide. For example, majority of
the provinces in the Northern Luzon is considered a high-danger zone. These include
mountainous areas like Abra, Benguet,

Disaster Prevention and Hazard Mitigation

1. Developing resistant structures
• Strengthening buildings and making them earthquake proof.
• Design and build structures capable of withstanding earthquakes.
2. Creating seismic hazard maps
Consider the following:
• Size and frequency of earthquakes
• History of seismicity
• Previous records of intensity
3. Mainstreaming disaster mitigation culture to communities and reinforcing
national and local legislation.
• Organize or support community programs
• Participate in disaster committees
• Support enforcement of local building codes to minimize earthquake
hazards in new construction

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 Explore

Your family decided to move to a different place and live there permanently.
You know nothing about the safety of this new place; however, you observed that
there is a nearby volcano. Also, there are coastlines several kilometers from your
house. You decided to go to the local government hall to ask about the area, and they
gave you hazard maps. How can you use these maps to confirm the safety of your
new home?

Deepen

What do you think?

Answer the following questions: Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.
1. Are there tools and technologies being used for public awareness or other
approaches meant to reduce local hazards in your community?
2. In what ways are these tools being used?
3. What other hazard, exposure, and vulnerability assessment tools can you
suggest for your community?

Areas of 4 3 2 1
Assessment
Ideas Present ideas in Present ideas in Ideas are too Ideas are vague
an original a consistent general or unclear
manner manner
Organization Strong and Organized Some No organization
organized organization
attempt
Understanding Writing shows Writing shows a Writing shows Writing shows
strong clear adequate little
understanding understanding understanding understanding
Sentence Sentence Sentence Sentence No sense of
Structure structure structure is structure is sentence
enhances evident; limited; structure or
meaning; flows sentences sentences need flow
throughout the mostly flow to flow
work

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 Gauge

A. Read the statements carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Use a
separate sheet of paper for your answer.

1. What is a geological hazard map?

A. a map that shows the potential mining areas in different regions of the
country
B. a map that shows the areas prone to hazards brought by geological events
C. a map that shows the number of geologists based on specific areas
D. a map that shows the geographic features of an area

2. Which of the following are the points, lines, shapes, and colors used in the map?
A. symbols B. legends C. titles D. sources

3. Which of the following Philippine agencies and institutes produce geological

hazard maps?
I. Department of Agriculture
II. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
III. Department of Trade and Industry
IV. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II
D. II and IV

4. Which of the following is true about the red dots? (Refer to Earthquake-Prone
Areas)
A. The biggest red dot indicates that the area was hit by a strong earthquake.
B. The smallest red dot indicates that the area was not hit by an earthquake.
C. The smallest red dot indicates that the area was hit by few earthquakes.
D. The biggest red dot indicates that the area was not hit by an earthquake.

5. Which of the following is true about the map of tsunami-prone areas?

A. The colors indicate the potential of a tsunami hazard.
B. The colors magenta and yellow present the frequency of tsunami occurrences
in the past.
C. The Philippines do not have areas that are prone to tsunamis.
D. The Philippines have areas that experienced tsunamis in the past.

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6. Which of the following are true about Albay and Palawan?
I. Palawan experiences more volcanic eruptions than Albay.
II. Albay experiences more volcanic eruptions than Palawan.
III. Palawan is near many active volcanoes.
IV. Albay is near active, inactive, and potentially active volcanoes.

A. I and II
B. II and IV
C. II and III
D. I and III

7. Which of the following places are prone to earthquake-induced shallow landslides?

I. Abra
II. Kalinga
III. Ifugao
IV. Palawan

A. I and II B. I, II and III C. III and IV D. II and IV

8. Why are locally generated tsunamis more dangerous than those generated by
distant sources?
A. They may reach a nearby shore in few minutes, so there may not be enough time
for tsunami warning centers to issue a warning.
B. They are always stronger than foreign generated tsunamis, so they cause
widespread destruction and damage to infrastructures.
C. They carry with them strong typhoons that may cause casualties and damages
to houses and buildings.
D. They cause sudden earthquakes that there is not enough time for earthquake
warning centers to issue an alarm or warning.

9. Locate the capital city of the Philippines, Manila. What is the level of landslide
hazard in that area?
A. high danger zone
B. low danger zone
C. no present risk
D. no data

10. What are the provinces in Visayas that can be directly affected by hazards of
volcanic eruptions such as lahar and pyroclastic flow? (Refer to Distribution of
Volcanoes)
I. Negros Occidental
II. Bohol
III. Leyte
IV. Cebu

A. I and II
B. II and III
C. I and III
D. II and IV
...

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B. Answer this question briefly but with sense. 5 points

How could we prevent loss of lives during calamities?

Rubrics:

Very informative and well-organized 5

Somewhat informative and organized 4
Gives some new information and fairly organized 3
Gives few new information and poorly organized 2
Gives no new information and very poorly 1
organized

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Jumpstart
Explore – Answers may vary
Deepen – Answers may vary
Gauge
A. B.
Answers may vary
KEY ANSWERS
References

Printed Materials:
1. Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction Core K-12 First Edition,
Rimando, Rolly E., Belen, Josefina G., Rex Book Store
2. Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction, De Guzman, Suarez, Vibal
3. Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction Teachers Guide, Department of
Education, Republic of the Philippines

Websites:
Retrieved
1. Understanding Geological Hazard Maps, Canoy, Warlito
Zamora,facebook.com
2. Earthquake.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/2020_Earthquake_Information
3. www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph>index.php>gisweb_landslide

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