Natural Hazards Flashcards
What is the definition of a natural hazard?
A natural event (e.g earthquake, volcanic eruption, tropical storm) that threatens people or has the potential to cause damage, destruction and death
What are the different types of natural hazards?
Tectonic, atmospheric, geomorphological, biological
What is a tectonic hazard?
Caused by the movement of the earth’s tectonic plates
Includes earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis
What are atmospheric hazards?
These are related to weather systems including high and low pressure systems, and include events like hurricanes, droughts and floods
What are geomorphological hazards?
These hazards originate on or near the earth’s surface and include landslides, mudflows and flooding
What are biological hazards?
These involve living organisms and include events like forest fires, disease pandemics and the spread of invasive species
How many people live on or close to volcanoes ?
Around 800 million
Why might soil be a reason people live near volcanoes?
Volcanic soil is fertile (good for agriculture)
It also has a High mineral content and is very good for producing fine quality wines
Columbia is known to be one of the best places to grow coffee because of the quality of the volcanic soil
Why is geothermal energy a reason why people may live near volcanoes?
In Iceland, many heating systems and outdoor swimming pools use geothermal energy generated from tectonic activity
Why may poverty be a reason why people live near volcanoes?
In china, poverty prevents people from migrating to eastern china
How can level of education help to reduce risk of natural hazards?
Poorer countries are typically very aware of natural hazards.
Level of education will not prevent them but it may reduce impacts and allow more people to survive
How can natural factors impact risks of natural hazards?
Geology, topography and relief can affect the risk of natural hazards and the severity of their impact
E.g low lying flat areas are more likely to be flooded when a tsunami occurs
How does level of development/wealth help to reduce risks of natural hazards?
- Richer countries are more economically developed and have greater wealth available to Predict, Prepare and Respond to hazards rather than poorer countries
- richer countries are also able to build stronger earthquake proof buildings and use satellite technology to track hurricanes
How does frequency impact the risks of natural hazards?
- If a particular hazard occurs many times, then people may become more used to it.
- If they are able to prepare for the natural hazard and cope more efficiently after it has occurred
- Larger and less frequent hazards, such as large magnitude earthquakes will take people by surprise
How does the time of a natural hazard impact the risk?
- Time can influence the effects of a natural hazard in many ways
- e.g if a hazard occurs when people are asleep they will receive no warning causing a higher number of injuries and deaths
