Case Studies Flashcards
Tropical storm in a developed country
When, where and why did it start?
Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast of the USA in August 2005 after forming over Bahamas due to remnants of tropical depression meeting a tropical wave.
What category on which scale did hurricane Katrina reach?
It reach category 5 on the Safari Simpson scale.
Social impacts of hurricane Katrina
1800 people died (50% being older than 74)
More than a million housing units were destroyed.
3 million were left with no electricity.
Emerging country’s location
Indonesia is located in SE Asia, close to South China Sea, between the Pacific and Indian Ocean, between India and Australia, south of Malaysia on the ring of fire.
Economic impacts of hurricane Katrina
Cotton/ sugar crops were destroyed $150 billion of damage Oil platforms were destroyed Shops were looted and fuel prices rose Tourism decreased
Environmental impacts of hurricane Katrina
New Orleans levees broke
80% of New Orleans was flooded
Tornadoes
Coastal habitats were destroyed
Vulnerabilities of hurricane Katrina
Coastal erosion had diminished barrier islands, marshes and swamps which exposed the gulf coast.
The levees were too low to sustain surges.
Flood walls weren’t strong enough.
Disadvantaged communities were stranded
There’s a high dependency rate
Responses to hurricane Katrina
These responses were criticised due to slow process of evacuation, leaving poorest and most vulnerable.
$50 billion of aid
Uk sent food aid.
Hostile and unsafe living environments.
Tropical storm in developing country, when where and why??
Typhoon Haiyan hit SE Asia in Nov 2013, with Philippines being worst affected. Formed due to tropical depression. Affected Caroline islands, Philippines, south China and Vietnam.
What category on what scale did typhoon haiyan reach?
It reached category 5 on the saffir Simpson scale.
Social effects of typhoon Haiyan
1.9 million were made homeless 6 million were displaced 6,340 deaths 90% of all structures were destroyed/damaged. Looting occurred. 28700 injured 1074 missing
Environmental impacts of Typhoon Haiyan
Uprooted trees and crops
Oil spill due to oil rig destroyed
6m high storm surge
300mm rainfall meaning flooding 1 mile inland
Economic impacts of typhoon Haiyan
Rice and sugar exports were destroyed, 50-120 tonnes of sugar was lost.
$14.5 billion damage, airport damaged and tourism lost.
Vulnerabilities of typhoon Haiyan
Poor housing location/construction
High population density
Lack of education and funding into natural disasters
Responses to typhoon Haiyan
13000 US service personnel
$475. Million aid
20% received aid, ofte going 5 days without it
What type of volcano is Kilauea? Where is it? What lava does it produce?
Shield volcano south of the big island in Hawai‘i volcanoes national park. It produces basaltic lava (low viscosity) at 10000 degrees centigrade.
How big is Kilauea and what plate is it on?
8 mile circumference on Pacific plate.
History of Kilauea
300-600,000 year old volcano w 61 historical eruptions.
Since Jan 3rd, 1983 has constantly been active.
Formation of Kilauea
It’s a mid ocean hotspot due to a mantle plume at the base of the Pacific plate. Part of Hawaiian-emperor Semount chain which has formed over the last 70 million years. Pacific plate is moving northwest at 5-10cm a year, creating new volcanic islands.
Primary impacts of Kilauea
Lava travels 6.5 miles over Pacific Ocean and has added 5000 acres of land mass.
Releases base: water vapour, CO2 and SO2 (creates acid rain, respiratory diseases and agricultural damage).
Earthquakes of up to 7.7 magnitude, increases risk of landslide.
Secondary impacts of Kilauea
Tourism increase (economy boost)
Lava deposits nutrients in the soil.
Opportunities to generate geothermal energy.
Lahars (mud flows)
Health hazards
Destruction of landscapes and infrastructure. Has destroyed more than 200 structures.
