5.1.1 Hazards Flashcards
What is a hazard?
A hazard is an event which has the potential to cause harm to the environment, people or the economy
A natural hazard is an event caused by environmental processes and would occur without the presence of humans
The term hazard is used because of the potential impact when the natural event interacts with humans
What is a disaster?
A disaster occurs when harm actually occurs to the environment, people or the economy
Outline 3 types of natural hazard
Geophysical – caused by land processes – examples include earthquakes, volcanic activity and mass movements such as landslides and mudflows
Atmospheric – caused by meteorological or climatic processes – examples include tropical storms and wildfires
Hydrological – caused by the movement and distribution of water – examples include floods
What 3 economic factors influence hazard perception?
Quality of housing and infrastructure is likely to be higher in wealthier areas – this may mean that people feel safer
Increased spending on preparation and prediction – this may mean that people are more aware of the risks and able to evacuate
More investment in education – this may mean that people understand the potential dangers and are more likely to take action to minimise risk
What 3 cultural factors impact hazard perception?
Cultural values and beliefs may affect whether people trust scientists and government officials – this may mean they underestimate the risk
Some cultures believe that hazards are an act of God – this may mean that they don’t want to evacuate
People who have previously experienced hazards may be more fearful – this may mean they are more prepared
What are 6 ways in which people respond to hazards?
Fatalism is when people believe that hazards cannot be avoided and so must be accepted – this often leads to people doing nothing in response to hazards
Prediction – using science and technology to predict where and when a hazard will occur so that warnings can be issued, potentially allowing people to evacuate
Adjustment/adaptation – changing behaviour to reduce potential losses – examples include improving awareness of hazards and practising earthquake drills
Mitigation – working to reduce or prevent the occurrence of hazards – for example building sea walls to prevent flooding in the event of a tsunami or tropical storm
Integrated risk management – analysing potential risks and implementing a coordinated approach to manage and reduce risks
Risk sharing – working together to reduce the risk and sharing the costs of hazard response – for example buying home insurance – only some people need to claim but the cost is shared by everyone
Outline 4 factors affecting hazard response
Incidence – how often a hazard occurs (also known as frequency)
The more often a hazard occurs, the more likely that people will be educated and prepared with effective management strategies in place
Intensity and magnitude – the size, strength or severity of a hazard
The greater the severity of a hazard, the larger the potential impact, and the greater the response required
Distribution – where hazards occur
In more hazardous locations people are more prepared for hazard events because they invest significant time and money to protect themselves
Japan has invested in earthquake-resistant buildings and earthquake drills
Level of development – the level of economic wealth and standard of living in a country
More developed countries are more likely to have mitigation and adaptation strategies in place and will be better prepared to respond to the hazard effectively
Outline 4 stages of hazard management cycle
Response Search and rescue and provision of emergency medical assistance and aid
Recovery Restoring services and reconstruction of damaged buildings
Mitigation Building flood barriers, setting up an early warning system
Preparedness Earthquake drills, public awareness campaigns
Outline the concept of the hazard management cycle
The hazard management cycle is a continuous loop which explains an approach to managing a known hazard (1).
Preparedness is concerned with using evidence and data from previous events to plan for hazards associated with the event. (1) Good preparation is the key to minimising impact upon the population (1) (d).
Response is concerned with deploying services and resources to save people and property from harm (1). Response is likely to involve emergency services such as fire and rescue teams in an earthquake (1) (d).
Recovery is concerned with post disaster reconstruction and restoration of the local built and natural environment (1).
Mitigation is an extension to recovery. This is the active steps taken to minimise the negative impacts associated with the hazard (1). Constructing earthquake proof buildings or flood protection systems are examples of mitigation (1) (d).
What does hazard management cycle show?
The hazard management cycle is a model that shows how the events of one hazard event inform planning and preparation for the next hazard event
What does Park Model of human response show?
Park’s model shows how people’s quality of life is affected by hazards
It also outlines how people respond to hazard events
What three phases does Park Model describe?
Relief – the immediate response including search and rescue, provision of emergency medical assistance and aid
Rehabilitation – a longer phase that includes temporary restoration of services and infrastructure e.g. temporary schools and shelters are set up
Reconstruction – permanent restoration which aims to provide the same or an improved quality of life than before e.g. through the rebuilding of infrastructure using aseismic designs
How is park model curve affected by intensity of event and other factors?
The steepness of the downward curve varies depending on the nature and magnitude of the hazard
A high magnitude event that happens very suddenly will have a steeper and deeper curve than a slow-onset, low magnitude event
The upward curve will vary for each event and area depending on the level of:
Preparation and planning
Development
Aid both national and International
The Park model of human response comparison of developed and developing countries
LDE countries tend to be impacted more severely and recover more slowly
HDE countries are likely to recover more quickly and provide an improved quality of life for people through mitigation strategies such as aseismic designs and hazard warning systems
