✅3.1.5.1 - The concept of Hazard in Geographical Context Flashcards
What is hazard risk?
The probability or chance that a natural hazard may take place
What are geophysical hazards?
A potentially damaging natural event or natural hazard
What is an atmospheric hazard?
Include things such as oxygen deficiencies, dusts, chemical vapors, welding fumes, fogs, and mists that can interfere with the bodies ability to transport and utilize oxygen, or that have negative toxicological effects on the human body.
What are hydrological hazards?
Extreme events associated with water occurrence, movement, and distribution.
What are the cultural factors affecting hazard perception?
If people have lived in a dangerous place for generations, they have more knowledge and a very different perception of risk
How do economic factors affect hazard perception?
In more developed parts of the world, people can be constantly educated in the risks of hazards, which can lead them to believe they’re worse than they really are.
In poorer parts of the world, people have very little to loose so are more relaxed
What is an earthquake?
The shaking and vibration of the Earth’s crust due to movement of the tectonic plates
What is a volcano?
An opening in the Earth’s crust which allows molten rock from beneath the crust to reach the surface
What is hazard perception?
The way an individual understands and reacts to a hazard
What is frequency?
How often a certain event occurs
What is Magnitude?
The size/scale/weighting an event has
What is Fatalism?
Russian roulette/optimistic approach. Hazards are ‘God’s will’ and losses are accepted. Lack of alternatives due to economic reasons. Events seem normal, people lived through them many times
What is adaption/adjustment?
When a town or city starts to change their way of living p to fit natural disasters into their everyday lives. Buildings are changed, such as in Christchurch
What is Prediction?
Knowing when a hazard will occur and can reduce death toll. Included seismic monitoring of volcanoes, measuring gas emissions, observing weather systems etc…
What is Mitigation?
Any action taken to reduce or eliminate the threat to property or human life as a result of a natural hazard. Includes the ideas of adaptions and preparation, but also anything done on an individual level.