Hazards Flashcards
Definition of a hazard
A perceived natural event with the potential to threaten both life and property, and only a hazard if it affects people.
What kind of hazards are there? (3)
Geophysical
Atmospheric
Hydrological
What is a geospatial hazard
originates from Earth’s internal processes
What is a atmospheric hazard
caused by atmospheric processes
What is a hydrological hazard
caused by water/ linked to the water cycle
Geophysical hazard examples
- lava flows
- earthquakes
- tsunamis
- volcanic eruptions
- some land slides
- liquefaction
Examples of atmospheric hazards
- storm surges
- hurricanes/cyclones/tropical storms
- acid rain
- high winds
- fire
Examples of hydrological hazards
- glacial flooding
- coastal flooding
- river flooding
- mud flows
- some land slides
What is a disaster?
The realisation of a hazard when it causes a significant impact on a vulnerable population. The hazard exceeds the capacity and resilience level of the popualtion
What is meant by vulnerability?
The risk of exposure to hazards combined within an inability to cope with them
Why are densely populated areas at greater risk to natural hazards?
- mostly on the coast, so also affected by hydrological hazards
- densely populated meaning more people affected by area
- impermeable surfaces so heavily affected by hydrological hazards
- more high rises that can fall and cause even more damage and building collapse, so death
- more people to treat if disease outbreaks
- hospitals are often on the most vulnerable land, so less access to healthcare for injuries/diseases/deaths
How does magnitude affect the damage caused by a hazard?
Bigger the magnitude (explosivity, wind speed), the bigger the damage
How can characetristics of a natural hazard affect the damage causes (4 marks)
Write it out
How does frequency affect the damage caused by a hazard?
More frequency doesn’t allow the country/place to recover from the previous one, especially if they don’t have access to fund protective infrastructure, or ask for loans from other countries
What is the definition of RISK
The probability of a hazard occurring and creating loss of lives/livelihoods
What is the definition of RESILIENCE
The degree to which a population or environment can absorb a hazardous event and yet remain within the same state of organisation
Describe the location of Vanuatu
South Pacific Ocean, very close to the equator, North of New Zealand
How does the location of Vanuatu affect the location that it is likely
An island -> hydrological hazards
Right next to a plate boundary
Isolated from other countries
Unlike the Philippines, a single storm can cause widespread destruction
Why do people live in hazardous locations?
- geothermal power
- cheaper sites/land
- volcanic ash makes the soil fertile, so good for farming
- people have sentimental/cultural attachments
- tourism is a good income for local
What different types of hazard perceptions are there (how people perceive hazards)
Fatalism
Adjustment
Fear