Chapter 1 Flashcards
Geophysical
A hazard formed by tectonic processes
Context Hazard
Global threat due to environmental factors
Hazard
A natural event which had the potential to threaten both life and property
Vulnerability
A high risk plus individuals/communities not being able to cope
Hydro-meteorological
A hazard formed by floods and atmospheric processes
Disaster
When a hazard occurs and causes deaths and damage to goods, property, people and environment
Risk
The probability of a hazard event occurring and creating loss of lives
Albedo
How much solar radiation is reflected by a surface
Climate change
Any long-term trend or shift in climate (average weather over 30 years)
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
When the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increase due to human activity
Fossil Fuels
Energy sources that release CO2 when burnt
Global Warming
A recently measured rise in the average surface temperature of the planet
Greenhouse effect
The warming of the Earths atmosphere due to the trapping of heat that would otherwise be radiated back into space
Tipping point
The point at which a system switches from one state to another
Feedback mechanism
Where the output of a system acts to amplify or reduce further output
