Introduction - Key terms

Question 1

the Biogeochemical cycle

Answer 1

Transfer or cycling of an element through the atmosphere (layer of gases surrounding Earth), lithosphere (Earth’s outer rocky layer), hydrosphere (all liquid/frozen water) and biosphere (organisms).

Question 2

the Geologic cycle

Answer 2

Processes where materials on/near surface of the planet have been created and modified by numerous physical, chemical and biological processes. Produced mineral resources, fuels, land, water and atmosphere required for our survival.

Question 3

the Tectonic cycle

Answer 3

Creation, movement, and destruction of lithosphere plates.

Question 4

the Rock cycle

Answer 4

Worldwide recycling of three major rock groups, driven by earths internal heat and by energy from the sun. Linked to other cycles. (Figure 1.8, p. 11)

Question 5

the Hydrologic cycle

Answer 5

The cycling of water from oceans –> atmosphere –> continents and islands and back again –> oceans. Driven by solar energy. Operates by evaporation, precipitation, surface runoff, subsurface flow.

Question 6

Catastrophe

Answer 6

More massive and affects a larger number of people and more infrastructure than disasters. Commonly have consequences far beyond the area that is directly affected.

Question 7

Disaster

Answer 7

Disaster and catastrophe refer to events that cause serious injury, loss of life, and property damage over a limited time and within a specific geographic area. Disasters may be regional or national in scope.

Question 8

Hazard

Answer 8

The probability that a specific damaging event will happen within a particular period of time.

Question 9

Risk

Answer 9

Risk = f(hazard, exposure, vulnerability, coping capacity). Rooted in hazard, vulnerability and coping capacity. Vulnerability = susceptibility of people and property to a hazardous event. Coping capacity = ability of a pop. to respond to and reduce negative effects of hazardous events.

Question 10

Mitigation

Answer 10

Used when describing efforts to prepare for disasters and to minimize their harmful effects. Actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and property from natural hazards.

Question 11

Forecast

Answer 11

Less precise than a prediction and has uncertainty.

Question 12

Prediction

Answer 12

Involves specifying the date and size of the event.

Question 13

Warning

Answer 13

Follows prediction or forecast. (Figure 1.10, p.15)

Question 14

Scientific method

Answer 14

Involves a series of steps. 1. make an observation, 2. ask a question, 3. hypothesis or testable explanation, 4. make a prediction based on the hypothesis, 5. test the prediction, 6. iterate: use the result to make new hypothesis or predictions.

Question 15

Hypothesis

Answer 15

Possible testable answer to a question, can be accepted or rejected.

Question 16

Land-use planning

Answer 16

Adjustments to hazards. People can avoid building on floodplains, etc.

Question 17

Residence time

Answer 17

Estimated average amount of the time that drops of water spends in any compartment, ranges from just days in the atmosphere to a million years in ice sheets.