Natural Hazards Flashcards
What is a natural hazard?
A natural process which could cause death, injury or disruption to humans, or destroy property and possessions.
What is the difference between a natural hazard and a natural disaster?
A natural disaster is a natural hazard that has actually happened.
Give an example of an extreme event that is not counted as a hazard.
A drought in an uninhabited desert or an avalanche in Antarctica.
What are the two main types of natural hazards?
- Geological Hazards
- Meteorological Hazards
What are geological hazards caused by?
Land and tectonic processes.
What are some examples of geological hazards?
- Volcanoes
- Earthquakes
- Landslides
- Avalanches
What are meteorological hazards caused by?
Weather and climate.
What are some examples of meteorological hazards?
- Tropical storms
- Heatwaves
- Cold spells
What is hazard risk?
The probability of people being affected by a hazard in a particular area.
What factors can affect hazard risk?
- Vulnerability
- Capacity To Cope
*Nature of the Natural Hazard
How does population density affect hazard risk?
The more people in an area exposed to natural hazards, the greater the probability they will be affected.
How does income level affect a population’s capacity to cope with hazards?
Higher income countries (HICs) are better able to cope with flooding because they can afford to build flood defenses and evacuate people.
What are some factors that determine the nature of natural hazards?
- Type
- Frequency
- Magnitude
True or False: Tropical storms can be predicted and monitored.
True.
What are primary effects of natural disasters?
- Buildings and roads are destroyed
- People are injured or killed
- Crops and water supplies can be damaged
- Electricity cables and communication networks can be damaged
What are secondary effects of natural disasters?
- Triggering other hazards
- Blocked roads preventing aid
- Spread of diseases due to lack of sanitation
- Food shortages
- Economic weakening
What are immediate responses to natural disasters?
- Evacuate people
- Treat the injured
- Recover dead bodies
- Provide temporary supplies of electricity and gas
- Provide food, drink and shelter
What are long-term responses to natural disasters?
- Repair homes
- Rebuild infrastructure
- Improve forecasting and evacuation plans
- Improve building regulations
- Boost economic recovery
Fill in the blank: A natural disaster can trigger ________ hazards.
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