natural hazards

Question 1

define ‘natural hazard’:

Answer 1

an extreme natural event that can cause loss of life, extreme damage to property, and disrupt human activities.

Question 2

define ‘hazard risk’:

Answer 2

the probability of being affected negatively by a natural event.

Question 3

describe how the below factors affect hazard risk:

• population
• urbanisation and population density
• hazard frequency and magnitude

Answer 3

• population: as world population increases, more people live in areas which are more vulnerable to natural hazards.
• urbanisation, population density: urban areas are more densely populated, increasing the number of people at risk.
• hazard frequency and magnitude: how often a hazard occurs as well as the size and strength of the event. this is induced by climate change.

Question 4

describe how the below factors affect hazard risk:

• level of development
• prediction
• human activities

Answer 4

• level of development: HICs are more prepared and are more able to cope with the effects than LICs and NEEs. people in poverty also can’t afford to move elsewhere.
• prediction: some hazards such as earthquakes are almost impossible to predict so people have no warning.
• human activity: some human activity such as deforestation and urbanisation increase the level of hazard risk.