Compilation - Measurement

Question 1

Give an example of an attempt to measure vulnerability.

What methodological problems are there?

Answer 1

• World Risk Index

- Difficult to collect data

Question 2

How do calculate the frequency of events of a particular magnitude?

Answer 2

Recurrence Interval (return period)
- Represented by a T

Question 3

Define Recurrence Intervals

Answer 3

Average time separating events of a similar magnitude

Question 4

How do you calculate a recurrence interval?

Answer 4

T = (n+1)/m

• n: # of years on record
• m: rank of event magnitude

Question 5

Name a risk assessment metric

Answer 5

Disaster Risk Index (DRI)

Question 6

What are the two main indexes of drought severity?

Answer 6

• Palmer Drought Index (PDSI)

Question 7

What is the Standard Precipitation Index based on?

Answer 7

Probability of observed precipitation deficit occurring over a given prior time period

Question 8

What is the Palmer Drought Index based on?

Answer 8

Soil Moisture, defined in terms of available moisture relative from norm

Question 9

What would be the return period, SPI and PDSI of a minor drought?

Answer 9

3-4yrs

• 0.5 to - 0.7
• 1 to -1.9

Question 10

What would be the return period, SPI and PDSI of a severe drought?

Answer 10

10-17yrs

• 1.3 to -1.5
• 3 to -3.9

Question 11

What would be the return period, SPI and PDSI of an exceptional drought?

Answer 11

44yrs+
>-2
>-5

Question 12

What 2 scales are used for Earthquakes?

Answer 12

• Richter Scale

- Modified Mercalli Scale

Question 13

What is the Richter Scale?

Answer 13

• Amplitude of largest waves 100km from source on seismograph
• Logarithmic

Question 14

What is the Mercalli Scale?

Answer 14

• Describes earthquake-induced damage

- Somewhat subjective, based on observation

Question 15

How many grades are there on the Mercalli Scale?

Answer 15

• 12(I-XII)

Question 16

What are the weakest, strongest and middle categories called on the Mercalli Scale?

Answer 16

I = Instrumental
VI = Strong
XII = Cataclysmic

Question 17

What is the main hurricane scale called?

Answer 17

• Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Question 18

How many categories are there in the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale?

Answer 18

5