hazardous environments Flashcards
adjustment definition
changes designed to react to and cope with a situation, such as the threat posed by a hazard
earthquake definition
a violent shaking of the earth’s crust
emergency aid definition
help in the form of food, medical care and temporary housing provided immediately after the occurrence of a natural disaster
epicentre definition
the point on the Earth’s surface that is directly above the focus of an earthquake
hazard definition
an event which threatens the wellbeing of people and their property
lahar definition
a flow of wet material (water mixed with volcanic ash and tephra - rock) flowing down the side of a volcano’s slope which can become a serious hazard
natural disaster event
a natural event or hazard, causing damage to property, as well as personal injuries and death
natural event definition
something happening in the physical environment, such a s a storm, volcanic eruption or earthquake
what are tropical storms
tropical storms (aka cyclones or typhoons) are low-pressure systems which have sustained high winds and torrential rain. All hurricanes are examples of tropical storms. They form between the tropics but not on the equator
conditions needed for tropical storm to form
- sea temp of 26-28 degrees in deep oceans
- thunderstorms/ developing wave patterns, allowing air to ride due to low pressure
- between 8 and 20 degrees from equator - curving of fluids due to Coriolis effect
- light wind sheer
hazards associated with cyclones
- storm surges
- strong winds
- torrential rain / flooding
how are tropical storms measured
the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale. Goes from 1-5, from tropical depression to tropical storm
on what kind of plate boundaries to volcanoes form
constructive and destructive
describe features of constructive plate boundaries
- plates move apart due to convection currents
- forms shield volcanoes (less explosive, oozing kind)
- lava cools to form ridges
- examples: Iceland’s Mid-Atlantic ridge
