Hazardous environments Flashcards
Preparation for hazards (Japan 2011)
- Warning & evacuation: Early alerts, clear routes.
- Building design: Earthquake-resistant structures- deep foundations.
- Technology: Remote sensing, GIS
Short-term responses and relief (Japan 2011)
- Aid: immediate emergency services.
- Shelter: Temporary housing.
- Supplies: Food, water, medical support.
Long term planning (Japan 2011)
- Risk assessment: Identifying vulnerable areas.
- Hazard mapping: Predict future events.
- Reconstruction: Strengthening infrastructure.
Characteristics of tropical cyclones
- Ocean temperature: Above 26.5°C.
- Latitude: 5°-20°
- Pressure: Low central pressure.
- Wind shear: Low
- Coriolis force: Neede for rotation
Tropical cyclone measurement scale
Saffir-Simpson scale: categorises cyclones by wind speed (1-5)
Earthquake measurement scales
- Richter scales: Measures magnitude
- Mercalli scale: Measures intensity based on observed effects.
Short-term impact of Mozambique cyclone (2019)
- Aid: Immediate emergency response.
- Shelter: Temporary housing.
- Food supplies: Distributed to affected areas
Long-term impacts of Mozambique cyclone(2019)
- Rebuilding: Gradual reconstruction of homes and public infrastructure.
- Economic recovery: Agricultural losses and economic setbacks; recovery effoerts ongoing.
- Disease outbreaks: Water contamination led to outbreaks of Cholera and Malaria.
- Resilience planning: Investment in flood defenses and cyclone early warning systems.
Short-term impacts of Montserrat Soufiere Hills eruption(1997)
- Evacuation: Immediate evacuation of residents from high-risk areas
- Aid: Emergency assistance and supplies for displaced populations.
- Infrasturcture destruction: Loss of homes, airports, and other vital facilities.
- Ashfall: Widespread ashfall disrupting daily life and health.
Long-term impacts of Monsterrat Soufriere Hills eruption (1997)
- Rebuilding: Slow reconstruction of infrastructure, with parts of the island permanently unihabitable.
- Economic recovery: Heavy losses in agriculture and tourism; population resettlement abroad.
- Hazard mapping: Improved volcanic monitoring and zoning laws for future safety.
- Relocation: Large areas of the island were abandoned, and new communities were established in safer locations.
Causes of tropical cyclones
- Ocean temp: Warm water fuels storm.
- Wind shear: Low vertical wind shear
- Pressuer: Low pressure zone
- Coriolis effect: Rotation of winds
Characteristics of volcanic eruptions
- Lava, ash, gas: Ejected materials
- Pressure release: Magma rises through cracks.
- Explosiveness: Depends on magma type and gas content.
Distribution of volcanic eruptions
- Location: Along plate boundaries
- Regions: Pacific ring of fire, Mid- Atlantic ridge
Causes of volcanic eruptions
- Plate boundaries: convergent (subduction zone) & divergent (spreading ridges).
- Hotspots: Magma rises from mantle plumes.
Volcano measurement scale
- Volcanic Explosivity Scale (VEI): Measures eruption size based on material ejected.
Characteristics of earthquakes
- Ground shaking: release of energy
- Seismic waves: travel through earth
- Focus & epicenter: point of origin and surface location.
Distribution of earthquakes
- Location: Along platee boundaries (convergent, divergent, transform)
- Regions: Pacific ring of fire, Himalayan belt.
Causes of earthquakes
- Plate movements: Convergent (subduction), divergent (spreading), transform (sliding).
- Energy release: stored energy as seismic waves.
Short-impacts of Nepal earthquake (2015)
- Aid: Immediate search & rescue.
- Shelter: Emergency camps.
- Medical aid: Treating the injured
Long-term impacts of Nepal earthquake (2015)
- Rebuilding: Strengthening homes, infrastructure.
- Economy: Slow recovery, tourism affected.
- Planning: Improved building codes>
