Lecture 1: Intro to Natural Disasters Flashcards
1
Q
natural hazard
A
- a source of danger that exists in the environment and that has the potential to cause harm
2
Q
vulnerability
A
- likelihood that a community will suffer, both in terms of fatalities and physical damage when exposed to hazards in the environment
3
Q
frequency
A
- number of similar events per unit of time
- frequency = 1/(period of t)
4
Q
return period
A
- lengths of time between similar events
- period = 1/frequency
5
Q
energy source: earth’s internal energy`
A
- tectonic plates
- center of earth’s magma
- earth science things
6
Q
energy source: solar energy
A
- energy form the sun fuels the hydrologic cycle
- torrential rain, droughts etc.
7
Q
energy source: gravity
A
- F=Gm1m2/r^2
- landslides, magma oozing etc
8
Q
impact energy
A
- energy released when objects collide
- asteroids, rocks landslides etc
9
Q
global trend 1
A
- the number of great natural disasters is increasing with time
- impact of climate change
10
Q
global trend 2
A
- population is becoming increasingly vulnerable
- population growth
- development in risky areas
- degradation of natural ecosystems
- over-reliance on technology
11
Q
global trend 3
A
- the number of human made disasters has been decreasing in recent years
12
Q
global trend 4
A
- economic losses from natural disasters are increasing with time
13
Q
risk
A
risk = vulnerability x hazard
14
Q
four pillars of emergency management (actually 5)
A
- response
- recovery
- mitigation (prevention)
- preparedness
- adaptation (climate change)
