Using a named example, explain why people continue to live in an area at risk from a tectonic hazard.
Model answer
Mount Etna in Sicily is Europe's most active volcano, yet many people live on its slopes and in the nearby city of Catania.
The most important reason is farming. Over thousands of years, weathered lava and ash have created very fertile soils, so farmers can grow vines, citrus fruit, olives and pistachios, which are famous around the town of Bronte. These crops provide a good income, so farmers have a strong reason to stay.
Tourism is another major reason. Etna attracts large numbers of visitors who take the cable car and guided tours to the craters, and some ski on its slopes in winter. This creates jobs for guides, drivers and people working in hotels, restaurants and shops. Catania also provides jobs and services, so people can work in the city while living close to the volcano.
People also feel that the risk is manageable. Most of Etna's eruptions produce slow-moving lava flows rather than violent explosions, so people usually have time to move out of the way, and the volcano is closely monitored by scientists, who can give warnings. Finally, many families have lived on Etna for generations and have strong ties to their homes and land, so leaving would mean giving up their community and way of life.
Explanation
Level 3 answers explain why each reason makes people stay (benefits outweigh the perceived risk) and include accurate details of a named place, such as Etna's crops and tourist attractions or Iceland's geothermal energy.
