Hazards Flashcards
What is a natural hazard
a perceived event that threatens both life and property
What is a natural disaster
a hazard becoming reality leading to damage and casualties
What is a geophysical hazard
driven by the Earth’s own internal energy sources
Examples of geophysical hazards
plate tectonics
volcanoes
seismic activity
What are atmospheric hazards
driven by processes at work in the atmosphere
Examples of atmospheric hazards
Droughts
Tropical storms
What are hydrological hazards
drivenby water bodies, mainly the oceans
Examples of hydrological hazards
floods, storm surges and tsunamis
What are common characteristics of hazards
- the scale and intensity of the event often requires emergency response
- there are immediate effects and long term effects of the hazard
- short warning times
- exposure to the risk of the hazard is involuntary (applies more to LICs)
- effects are distinctive e.g. earthquakes collapse buildings
Why do people live near hazards
- the events are unpredictable
- lack of alternatives to move and leave behind homes and jobs
- changing level of risk, they may have previously been safe
- cost/benefit : positives outweigh risks
- people’s perceptions on hazards (it won’t happen to us)
What are the different perception of a natural hazard from the population
Fear - they feel vulnerable to the event and can no longer face living there so move away
Adaptation - people use prediction, prevention and protection to survive the hazard
Fatalism - some communities believe it’s “gods will”
Factors that affect hazard perception
Wealth - wealthier people may view themselves a less vulnerable due to better housing or more vulnerabke as they have more to lose
Experience - people who have experienced more hazards may fully understand the process of preparation and protection therefore same vulnerable
Education - same as experience
Religion and beliefs - some may view hazards as put there by god for a reason so may not perceive them as negative therefore more vulnerable
Mobility - people may have limited access to evacuate putting them at high risk
Definition : prediction
Using scientific research and past events in order to know when a hazard will take place so that warnings may be delivered and impacts of hazards can be reduced
Definition : adaptation
Attempting to live with hazards by adjusting lifestyle choices so that vulnerability to the hazard is lessened
Example : earthquake proof buildings
Definition : mitigation
Strategies carried out to lesson the severity of a hazard
Example : sandbags to protect houses from flooding
Characteristics of a hazard that will affect human responses
- frequency
- distribution
- intensity
- magnitude
- level of development
What does the Park Model show
- human responses to hazards
- the steps carried out in recovery after an event
- shows a rough time frame
What information can be gathered from the curve on the Park Model
The steepness of the curve shows how quickly and area deteriorates
The depth of the curve shows the scale of the disaster
- can be compared to other hazards
Stage 1 (The Park Model)
Relief ( hours - days )
- immediate local response : aid, search and rescue
- appeal for foreign aid
Stage 2 (The Park Model)
Rehabilitation ( days - weeks )
- services begin to be restored
- temporary shelters and hospitals set up
- food and water distributed
- co ordinated foreign aid
Stage 3 (The Park Model)
Reconstruction ( weeks - years )
- restoring the area to the same or better quality of life
- ecosystems and crops restored
- infrastructure rebuilt
How is the Park Model useful
- can be used to analyse different types of response and the sequence in which they happen
- can compare impacts and responses between hazards in different countries to help places respond better
- help authorities to plan responses at each stage
Criticisms of The Park Model
- doesn’t take into account levels of development in the country
- doesn’t show factors such as magnitude and frequency of hazards and how these may affect responses
- further hazards may disrupt the recovery phase which isn’t shown
- doesn’t account secondary effects (landslides)
What is the hazard management cycle
A process where governments and other organisations work together to protect people
What does the hazard management cycle aim to do
- avoid or reduce loss of life and property
- provide help
- ensure a rapid recovery
What are the features of the hazard management cycle
Mitigation
Preparation
Response
Recovery
Definition : Fatalism
The viewpoint that hazards are uncontrollable natural events and any losses should be accepted as there is nothing that can be done to stop them
Definition : Risk sharing
A form of community preparedness whereby the community shares the risk posed by a natural hazard and invests collectively to mitigate the impacts of future hazards
