Geography Flashcards
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Hazard geography is the study of:
- Human and natural factors that can produce a range of hazards that can impact communities and people
- The methods used to understand how hazards work and how communities respond to them
What is a natural hazard?
An extreme geographical event with the potential to cause harm.
What is an ecological hazard?
An interaction between living organisms or living organisms and the environment with the potential to cause harm.
What are the 3 types of NATURAL hazards
- Hydrological
- Geological
- Atmospherical
Explain what a hydrological hazards is, give 2 examples
A hazard originating from the hydrosphere/involving water. e.g. flood, tsunami.
Explain what a geological hazard is, give 2 examples.
A hazard originating from the geo/lithosphere. e.g. earthquake, volcano.
Explain what a atmospherical hazard is, give 2 examples.
A hazard originating from the atmosphere. e.g. storm, oxygen deficiencies.
What are the 3 types of ecological hazards.
- Infectious/vector borne diseases
- Invasive species
-Pollution and pollutants
Explain what an infectious/vector borne disease is, give 2 examples.
A disease transferred from person to person or carried by organisms. e.g. COVID-19, Malaria.
Explain what pollution/pollutants are, give 2 examples.
Substances introduced into the environment causing a hazard. e.g. oil pollution, chemical spills.
Explain what an invasive species is, give 2 examples.
A species introduced into the environment by humans (can be intentional or unintentional). e.g. cane toads, rabbits.
Define risk management:
The processes taken before, during and after a hazard event.
How are risks managed for both hazard types.
Both managed with the mitigation > preparedness > response cycle.
Explain mitigation, give an example for COVID and earthquakes.
- Actions taken to prevent/eliminate risks associated with a hazard.
E.Q = incorporating seismic engineering into infrastructure
COV = vaccinations.
Explain preparedness, give an example for COVID and earthquakes.
- Policies and procedures in place to educate and make people aware of what to do in the case of a given hazard.
E.Q. = alarms/early warning systems
COV = informative signs/ads about social distancing or handwashing.
Explain response, give an example for COVID and earthquakes.
- What a community does immediately after a hazard has struck
E.Q. = the first emergency services to show up.
COV = restrictions and lockdowns.
Name 3 risks associated with earthquakes.
- Loss of property and life
- Effects on jobs, economy and infrastructure
- Effects on physical and mental health
Name 3 risks associated with COVID.
- Loss of life
- Effects on jobs and economy
- Effects on education
Explain physical factors effecting vulnerability to earthquakes.
- proximity (closer = ^ vulnerability)
- Number, type and regularity of hazard (regular, medium to intense earthquakes = ^ vulnerability)
Explain human factors effecting vulnerability to earthquakes.
- Building design (better designs withstand aftershocks better = decrease vulnerability)
- Scientific understanding of hazard (better understanding allows better management = decreased vulnerability)
Explain physical factors effecting vulnerability to COVID.
- Prevalence of other diseases/illnesses (weakened immune systems and high pressures in healthcare system = ^ vulnerability)