chapter 1 Flashcards
what is the principle of uniformitarianism?
the earth formed and continues to form as the result of the slow consistent processes
what is the principle of catastrophism?
the earth formed and continues to form as the result of short catastrophic events. this also implies that Earth is not that old
what is the prince of actualism?
the earth formed, and continues to form as the result of slow, constant, processes that are periodically interrupted by catastrophic events
what is a hazard?
something that has the potential to cause harm
what is a “natural” hazard?
a situation where harm (property damage, loss of life, changes to the landscape) maybe caused by natural processes
what is a disaster or catastrophic event?
an event that has caused harm
define exposure. give an example
refers to proximity (chance) someone or something has to a hazard
natural processes include:
earthquakes volcanism flooding mass wasting weather water quality wild fires
define sensitivity. gave an example
a measure of how someone or something may be effected by this hazard. ( someone who’s uninformed is more sensitive than someone is is unformed)
what resources are needed to reduce sensitivity?
awareness, being informed about a risk, low exposure
explain vulnerability. give an example
is a combination of exposure and sensitivity. it takes into account a persons or places proximity to a hazard and their ability to deal with to determine what will happen when a catastrophic event takes place
what resources are necessary to reduce vulnerability in the event of a disaster?
minimize the exposure and increase awareness
discuss the relative difference between exposure, sensitivity and vulnerability as they pertain to mass wasting events, in mid-latitude regions,(i.e. Canada) as compared to subtropical regions (i.e El Salvador)
for both locations mass wasting in the form of avalanches and flows is a significant hazard. both have high exposure. Sensitivity is different. it is less in BC because we are aware of the hazard and can avoid it. Sensitivity is higher in El Salvador because despite awareness, steep terrain is harder to avoid. In Salvador there is less land- it is a small country and land thats a safer is often owned or controlled by others
what is the relationship between wealth and mortality rates during a natural disaster?
In a wealthy place, where sensitivity is less, the result of a catastrophe is often property damage. Mortalities are much less. in poorer areas where sensitivity is higher there is often less property damage but mortality os higher
is it possible to predict a natural event? why
NO. Predictions are of more precise events such as a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on Vancouver Island the weeks of Jan7-13, 2019
it is possible to forecast a natural event? why
YES. These are more general statements about a situation such as there will be an earthquake in BC in the next 50 years.
what is adaptive capacity?
is the ability to plan for, react to and recover from a catastrophe.
what is a fractal and what use is one in understanding the Earth? give an example
a fractal is something (i.e river) that behaves the same regardless of size. understanding it helps to understand natural process including hazards
what is the relationship between magnitude and perception when it comes to humans and natural events?
Magnitude is the severity of the hazard, its size and frequency. perception is the awareness of a hazard. people are generally more aware of large, more disasterous hazards but tend to be less focused on smaller, less hazardous events. THIS BIASES OUR PERCEPTION OF HAZARDS AND POTENTIAL IMPACT
how has population growth contributed to more loss of life and property damage during a natural catastrophe?
population is increasing.
people are moving and concentrating in urban, coastal areas. people are more exposed. there is also more property, more stuff. there is more complex, fragile, expensive stuff to repair
what is the best mitigation effort in response to an actual or anticipated natural catastrophe?
to be informed and have a plan.
what are some of the problems concerning society and its approach to natural hazards?
people are not as prepared as they should be. the lack information and the will to deal with it
