Understanding Park’s Model in A-Level Geography

by Yum Yum Mama Team February 19, 2025

Park’s Model, also known as the Disaster Response Curve, is a key concept in A-Level Geography that helps explain how communities respond to natural hazards over time. This model provides a framework for disaster response by outlining different phases from pre-disaster to recovery. Understanding Park’s Model is essential for students studying Edexcel A-Level Geography, as it provides a structured approach to analysing hazard management and response.

What is Park’s Model?

Park’s Model is a graphical representation of how a community or country experiences and recovers from a natural disaster. It tracks the quality of life, economic stability, and overall functioning of society before, during, and after a disaster occurs.

Stages of Park’s Model

The model consists of five key stages, each representing a different phase in the response and recovery process:

Pre-disaster (Stage 1)
- This is the period before a hazard occurs.
- Preparation and mitigation strategies, such as early warning systems and evacuation plans, are in place.
- The quality of life remains stable.
Disruption (Stage 2)
- The hazard occurs, leading to an immediate decline in quality of life.
- Infrastructure damage, loss of life, and economic disruption are common.
- Emergency response begins, but resources may be stretched.
Relief (Stage 3)
- Short-term responses such as rescue operations and medical aid are prioritised.
- International aid, government intervention, and community support play a crucial role.
- Quality of life begins to stabilise but remains low.
Rehabilitation (Stage 4)
- Infrastructure repairs, rebuilding homes, and restoring services take place.
- Economic activity starts to resume, though full recovery is not yet achieved.
- Psychological and social impacts persist.
Reconstruction (Stage 5)
- Long-term redevelopment and improvements in infrastructure occur.
- The quality of life either returns to normal or improves if mitigation measures are implemented.
- Governments may introduce new policies to enhance future resilience.

What is the Park Model of an Earthquake?

The Park Model of an earthquake specifically applies the general disaster response framework to seismic events.

In the disruption stage, the sudden impact of an earthquake causes significant loss of life, structural damage, and economic downturns.
The relief phase involves search and rescue operations, emergency shelter provision, and medical care.
The rehabilitation phase sees temporary housing, infrastructure repairs, and economic rebuilding efforts.
Finally, the reconstruction stage may involve implementing stricter building codes to reduce future earthquake damage.

Comparing Park’s Model to the Hazard Management Cycle

Another key framework in A-Level Geography is the Hazard Management Cycle, which differs from Park’s Model:

Park’s Model is a reactive approach, showing how communities recover after a disaster.
The Hazard Management Cycle is a proactive approach, focusing on the continuous process of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Both models are useful when analysing disaster responses, but Park’s Model is particularly helpful for understanding how quality of life fluctuates after a major event.

Park’s Model Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

✔ Clear visual representation of disaster response over time. ✔ Helps identify vulnerable phases where intervention is needed. ✔ Highlights the importance of preparedness and mitigation.

Disadvantages:

❌ Not all disasters follow the same timeline – recovery can be faster or slower depending on resources available. ❌ Assumes a linear recovery process, but some communities may face setbacks. ❌ Does not account for political and social factors influencing disaster response.

Example of Park’s Model in Action

Case Study: 2010 Haiti Earthquake

Pre-disaster: Haiti was already vulnerable due to poverty and weak infrastructure.
Disruption: A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck, killing over 230,000 people.
Relief: Immediate international aid efforts began but were hampered by logistical challenges.
Rehabilitation: Tent cities and makeshift shelters were established.
Reconstruction: Slow progress due to corruption and political instability, showing the limitations of Park’s Model.

Park’s Model vs. Degg’s Model

While Park’s Model focuses on the response and recovery process, Degg’s Model examines the relationship between hazards, vulnerability, and disasters. Degg’s Model helps explain why some communities suffer more than others from similar events.

Exam Tips for A-Level Geography (Edexcel)

When answering questions on Park’s Model:

Use specific case studies (e.g., 2010 Haiti Earthquake, 2011 Tōhoku Tsunami).
Compare Park’s Model with other models (e.g., Hazard Management Cycle and Degg’s Model).
Evaluate its effectiveness in different disaster scenarios.
Consider economic, social, and political influences on disaster recovery.

Conclusion

Park’s Model is a fundamental tool in A-Level Geography for understanding disaster response and recovery. While it provides a structured approach to analysing hazards, it has limitations when applied to complex, real-world disasters. By comparing it with other models and using real-life examples, students can develop strong exam answers and a comprehensive understanding of disaster management.