5.1 Natural Hazards Flashcards
Definition Hazard
Something that’s a potential threat to human life or property
What are natural hazards causes by?
Natural processes e.g. lava
Three types of natural hazards
Geophysical
Atmospheric
Hydrological
What is a geophysical hazard?
causes by land processes
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and tsunamis
What is a atmospheric hazard
causes by climatic processes
tropical cyclones, storms, drought, wildfires and extreme hot or cold weather
What is a hydrological hazard?
causes by water movement
floods and avalanches
Define Disaster
when a hazard actually seriously affects humans
Define Risk
the likelihood that humans will be seriously affected by a hazard
Define Vulnerability
how susceptible a population is to the damage causes by a hazard
What are the different ways that people can view hazards?
they won’t ever experience a particular hazard
adapt lifestyle to minimise the risk
accept that a hazard is beyond there control
What is peoples perception of a hazard affected by?
economic, social and cultural background.
Examples of ways peoples perception of hazards vary
wealth religion education past experience personality
How can wealth affect peoples perception of a hazard?
richer people will be able to afford to move to different areas that are less prone to hazards or build their home to withstand hazards so the may perceive a small risk
How can religion affect peoples perception of a hazard?
some people view hazards as an act of God sent to punish people
How can education affect peoples perception of a hazard?
people with more education may have a better understanding of the risks of hazards and they may be bale to reduce the risks or mitigate the impacts
How can past experience affect peoples perception of a hazard?
people who have lived in hazard prone areas and have experienced a hazard before may perceive them differently, more prepared for future hazards and have an opinion on what they entail
How can personality affect peoples perception of a hazard?
some people fear hazards more than others, some think they are exciting
What are the different responds to a hazard?
- try and prevent the hazard/reduce its magnitude/risk sharing
- might try to reduce the impacts of the hazard by prediction or adaptation
- governments may coordinate responses to a hazard to manage it effectively
- hazards can’t be avoided so they just have to be accepted
What does the sucess of attempts to manage a hazard depend on?
hazard incidence - how often a hazard occurs
magnitude/intensity - powerful
distribution - extent of the hazard
development of the country - lack of wealth and technology
What are the most destructive hazards?
low incidence and high magnitude
What does the park model show?
how people respond to a hazard
5 main parts to the park model
pre-disaster disruption relief rehabilitation reconstruction
Explanation of pre-disaster in the park model
before the event, the situation is normal
Explanation of disruption in the park model
during and directly after the hazard event occurs, destruction of property and loss of life