Natural Hazards Flashcards
What is a cycconeraranone?
A concept related to hazards.
Further context needed to define this term accurately.
What does the term ‘earEngeanzunacio’ refer to?
A concept related to hazards.
Further context needed to define this term accurately.
What is the focus of Eyeropnos?
A concept related to hazards.
Further context needed to define this term accurately.
Define nuracan.
A type of hazard.
Further context needed to define this term accurately.
What does ‘canascace c’ refer to?
A concept related to hazards.
Further context needed to define this term accurately.
What type of hazard is FL00d?
Flood hazard.
Floods are natural disasters caused by excessive rainfall or other factors.
What is olisaa?
A concept related to hazards.
Further context needed to define this term accurately.
What does sanastorm refer to?
A type of storm hazard.
Storms can include hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather events.
What are poweranes?
A concept related to hazards.
Further context needed to define this term accurately.
What is a tsunami?
A large ocean wave caused by seismic activity.
Tsunamis can cause significant flooding and destruction along coastlines.
List different types of hazards.
- Water hazards
- Earth hazards
- Storm hazards
- Eruptions
- Drought
- Heatwave
These hazards can vary in their impact and geographical occurrence.
What is a drought?
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall.
Droughts can lead to water shortages and affect agriculture.
What is a heatwave?
A prolonged period of excessively hot weather.
Heatwaves can have serious health impacts and affect ecosystems.
What is the main concern regarding the living conditions of the rich?
They are living in dangerous conditions.
This suggests a disconnect between wealth and safety.
What are the factors affecting hazard risk?
Mind map of factors affecting hazard risk includes:
* Buildings
* Population magnitude
* Density
* Strength of buildings
* Frequency of occurrences
* Time of death
* Magnitude of hazards
* Power in a country
These factors highlight the complexity of assessing hazard risks.
Fill in the blank: The _______ of buildings affects hazard risk.
[strength]
Strong buildings can mitigate damage during hazardous events.
True or False: Higher population density can increase hazard risk.
True
More people in a concentrated area can lead to greater impact during disasters.
What does a higher population magnitude indicate in terms of hazard risk?
More people can lead to higher risk and potential casualties.
Increased population can exacerbate the effects of hazards.
Fill in the blank: A country with more _______ will likely experience more deaths during a disaster.
[power]
Higher power may refer to better infrastructure and response capabilities.
What is the relationship between hazard frequency and risk?
Higher frequency of hazards increases the risk of occurrence.
Frequent hazards can lead to more significant impacts on communities.
How does the strength of buildings influence hazard risk?
Stronger buildings reduce the potential for damage and casualties.
The construction quality directly affects safety during disasters.
Fill in the blank: The _______ of a hazard can determine the extent of damage in a country.
[magnitude]
Magnitude refers to the severity or size of the hazard event.
What sets off convection currents in the mantle?
Heat rising from the Earth’s core
How fast do convection currents in the mantle move?
As fast as your fingernails grow
What geological events are caused by the movement of tectonic plates?
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis
What are the two types of crust mentioned?
- Continental crust
- Oceanic crust
Fill in the blank: Convection currents in Earth’s mantle are caused by _______.
[heat rising from the Earth’s core]
True or False: Convection currents in the mantle move quickly.
False
What is the role of convection currents in relation to tectonic plates?
They allow the plates to move
What are the reasons for earthquakes happening?
Stresses build up between the plates as one plate passes another
What is the focus in an earthquake?
The point where the earthquake starts
What is the epicentre of an earthquake?
Point on the earth’s surface above the focus
What happens to energy as plates move past one another?
Energy builds up due to snagging and grinding
What is released when the plates eventually move again?
Shock or seismic waves through the Earth’s crust
What is a volcano?
A landform created by hot, liquid rock (magma) being forced into the earth’s crust
What is the consequence of a volcano erupting?
Violent explosions
What is magma?
Hot, liquid rock beneath the Earth’s surface
Fill in the blank: The earthquake starts at the _______.
[focus]
Fill in the blank: The point above the focus on the surface is called the _______.
[epicentre]
True or False: Earthquakes occur smoothly without any buildup of energy.
False
What are the two main types of volcano?
[Not specified in the text]
What is a shield volcano?
A dome shape (like an upturned shield) with sloping sides. Magma is runny and flows long distances before it cools. More gentle explosions.
What characterizes a composite volcano?
Steep sided, layers of ash and lava. Magma is viscous (sticky) and cools quickly. Very explosive.
What type of plate margin is associated with destructive volcanic activity?
Destructive plate margins.
What happens at a destructive plate margin?
An oceanic plate is subducted beneath a continental plate, leading to magma formation and potential earthquakes.
What is andesite?
The type of magma produced when an oceanic plate sinks and melts at a destructive plate margin.
What physical process occurs at constructive plate margins?
New oceanic crust is formed as oceanic plates move apart.
What is the result of friction at a conservative plate margin?
Earthquakes occur as plates slide past each other.
Fill in the blank: At a _______ plate margin, no volcanoes are formed.
conservative
What type of volcanic activity occurs at constructive plate margins?
Shallow sided volcanoes form due to runny magma.
What are the three types of plate margins?
- Destructive
- Constructive
- Conservative
True or False: Composite volcanoes are characterized by gentle eruptions.
False
What causes earthquakes at destructive plate margins?
Pressure builds up against friction as the oceanic plate sticks to the continental plate.
What happens to magma at a constructive plate margin?
Magma is injected between two moving oceanic plates, forming new oceanic crust.
Fill in the blank: The _______ plate is usually denser and is subducted beneath the continental plate.
oceanic
What is the shape of a shield volcano?
Dome shape with sloping sides.
Which plates are involved in a typical destructive plate margin?
- Oceanic plate
- Continental plate
What is formed as magma cools at constructive plate margins?
New oceanic crust.
What is a composite volcano?
A volcano with steep sides, made up of layers of ash and lava
What type of plate margin is associated with destructive processes?
Destructive plate margins
What is the viscosity of magma in a composite volcano?
Viscous (sticky) and cools quickly
How do composite volcanoes typically erupt?
Very explosive
What shape do volcanoes at constructive plate margins typically have?
Dome shape (like an upturned shield) with sloping sides
What is the characteristic of magma at constructive plate margins?
Runny and flows long distances before it cools
How do volcanoes at constructive plate margins erupt?
More gentle explosions
What are the three types of plate margins that lead to earthquakes and volcanic activity?
Constructive, destructive, and conservative
What happens at a destructive plate margin?
An oceanic plate is subducted beneath a continental plate
What type of magma is formed as the oceanic plate sinks in a destructive plate margin?
Andesite
What geological feature forms where two oceanic plates are moving apart?
New oceanic crust
What causes earthquakes at conservative plate margins?
Friction as plates slide past each other
Fill in the blank: The denser oceanic plate is ______ beneath the less dense continental plate.
subducted
True or False: Volcanoes are formed at conservative plate margins.
False
What type of earthquakes occur at constructive plate margins?
Caused by friction as the plates tear apart
What is formed when magma is injected between two separating oceanic plates?
New oceanic crust
What is the primary characteristic of magma at destructive plate margins?
It is viscous and forms explosive eruptions
What happens when the sinking oceanic plate sticks to the continental plate?
Pressure builds up against friction causing earthquakes
What is a collision plate margin?
A boundary where two continental plates are moving towards each other
What are fold mountains?
Mountains formed when continental plates buckle
What happens to plates at a collision plate margin?
Plates buckle and form mountains
What is an example of a continental plate?
Indo-Australian plate
What is another example of a continental plate?
Eurasian plate
What occurs when two continental plates collide?
They form mountains like the Himalayas
What geological activity is associated with collision plate margins?
Powerful earthquakes
Are there volcanoes at collision plate margins?
No, there are no volcanoes
What is the mantle?
The layer beneath the Earth’s crust
What are mountain roots?
The deep structures of mountains formed by the collision of plates
Define the term ‘natural hazard’
A natural event that poses a risk to life and property
List a range of different types of hazards
- Earthquakes
- Volcanoes
- Floods
- Landslides
- Tsunamis
Fill in the blank: When two continental plates are moving towards each other, they _______.
buckle and form mountains
What magnitude did the Nepal earthquake reach on the Richter Scale?
7.9
On what date did the Nepal earthquake occur?
25 April 2015
What was the depth of the earthquake in kilometers?
15 km
What caused the 2015 Nepal earthquake?
Indo-Australian plate colliding with the Eurasian plate
At what rate does the Indo-Australian plate collide with the Eurasian plate?
45 mm per year
How many people died as a result of the earthquake?
9000
How many people were injured in the Nepal earthquake?
20,000
What percentage of Nepal’s population was affected by the earthquake?
One-third
How many people were left homeless after the earthquake?
3 million
What was the estimated cost of damage from the earthquake?
Over US$5 billion
How many schools were destroyed in the earthquake?
7000
What type of aid did the UK raise for Nepal?
US$126 million for emergency aid
What organization set up temporary shelters for the affected population?
The Red Cross
Fill in the blank: Over ________ people needed food, water, and shelter in the days and weeks after the earthquake.
1.4 million
What natural disaster was triggered by the ground shaking of the earthquake?
Landslides and avalanches
How many people were killed by avalanches on Mount Everest during the earthquake?
At least 19
What happened to the Kali Gandaki River as a result of landslides?
It was blocked, leading to evacuations
What long-term response involved repairing thousands of homes?
Reconstruction efforts
What stricter measures were implemented after the earthquake?
Stricter building controls
What assistance was provided to locals regarding irrigation equipment?
Training on maintenance and repair
What role did social media play in the aftermath of the earthquake?
Used in search and rescue efforts
What economic activity resumed as part of the recovery efforts?
Tourism sites reopened
What magnitude was the earthquake that struck L’Aquila in 2009?
6.3-magnitude
What was the epicentre distance from L’Aquila during the 2009 earthquake?
7 km northwest
Which tectonic plates were involved in causing the L’Aquila earthquake?
Eurasian and African plates
How many people were killed in the L’Aquila earthquake?
300
How many were injured during the L’Aquila earthquake?
1,500
How many people were made homeless due to the L’Aquila earthquake?
67,000
How many buildings collapsed as a result of the L’Aquila earthquake?
Over 10,000
What was the estimated damage cost of the L’Aquila earthquake?
US$11,000 million
What happened to San Salvator Hospital after the earthquake?
It was so badly damaged that patients had to be evacuated
How quickly did the Italian Red Cross start searching for survivors?
Within 1 hour
What type of assistance did the British Red Cross provide after the earthquake?
Sent money
How many people did hotels provide shelter for after the earthquake?
10,000 people
How many tents were distributed to those affected by the earthquake?
40,000 tents
What financial relief was provided regarding mortgages and bills after the earthquake?
Suspended
How much money did the EU give to help rebuild L’Aquila?
US$552 million
How long were residents exempt from paying taxes after the earthquake?
1 year
What transportation benefit was provided to students after the earthquake?
Free public transport
How long did it take for homes to be rebuilt after the earthquake?
Several years
What ongoing issues have affected the historic centres after the earthquake?
Still being rebuilt
What secondary effects were caused by aftershocks of the earthquake?
Triggered landslides and rockfalls
What impact did the earthquake have on the number of students at the University of L’Aquila?
Decreased
What happened to house prices and rents after the earthquake?
Increased due to lack of housing
What sectors suffered due to unsafe buildings in the city center after the earthquake?
Business and tourism
What is the income classification of Nepal?
Low income (poor)
Nepal is categorized as a low-income country, which affects its infrastructure and disaster response capabilities.
What is the income classification of Italy?
High income (rich)
Italy is classified as a high-income country, allowing for better resources and infrastructure.
What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Nepal?
6.3 magnitude
The earthquake in Nepal had a magnitude of 6.3, which contributed to its destructive impact.
How many deaths were reported in Nepal following the earthquake?
8,841 dead
The earthquake in Nepal resulted in significant loss of life, with over 8,000 fatalities.
How many injuries were reported in Nepal after the earthquake?
16,800 injured
The earthquake in Nepal caused around 16,800 injuries, highlighting the severity of the disaster.
What was the number of homeless individuals reported in Nepal after the earthquake?
1 million
The earthquake left approximately 1 million people homeless in Nepal.
What was the cost of damage in Nepal due to the earthquake?
US$5.15 billion
The financial impact of the earthquake in Nepal was substantial, amounting to over 5 billion dollars.
How many deaths were reported in Italy following the earthquake?
308 dead
Italy experienced significantly fewer fatalities compared to Nepal, with 308 deaths reported.
How many injuries were reported in Italy after the earthquake?
1,500 injured
The number of injuries in Italy was considerably lower, with around 1,500 injuries reported.
What was the number of homeless individuals reported in Italy after the earthquake?
67,500
Italy faced homelessness issues as well, with about 67,500 individuals affected.
What was the cost of damage in Italy due to the earthquake?
US$1.1 billion
The financial damage in Italy was significantly less than in Nepal, totaling around 1.1 billion dollars.
Fill in the blank: The earthquake in Nepal had a total of _____ deaths.
8,841 dead
Fill in the blank: The earthquake in Italy had a total of _____ deaths.
308 dead
True or False: The cost of damage in Nepal was higher than in Italy.
True
The cost of damage in Nepal was significantly higher at 5.15 billion dollars compared to Italy’s 1.1 billion.
List some reasons why the effects of the earthquakes in Nepal and Italy were different.
- Economic status
- Building infrastructure
- Emergency response capabilities
- Population density
- Preparedness and resilience
Why do people continue to live in tectonically active areas?
Some settlements have grown into enormous cities and would be hard to move anywhere else
This indicates the permanence of urban development in these regions.
What type of hazards are some places well prepared for?
Natural hazards
People feel safe in these areas due to effective preparedness.
What can keep people in danger zones despite risks?
A good job and way of life
Economic stability plays a crucial role in residency decisions.
What is an example of a mining site associated with a volcano?
Ljen volcano
This site is known for its sulphur mining operation due to high sulphur levels.
What makes volcanic soils fertile?
Mineral content from volcanic ash
Fertile soils are essential for agriculture, as seen in Naples, Italy.
Which crops are grown in the area around Mount Vesuvius?
Olives, vines, nuts, and fruit (mainly oranges and lemons)
These crops thrive in the fertile volcanic soils.
What role does tourism play in tectonically active areas?
Provides a range of jobs for local people
Mount Etna, for example, attracts thousands of tourists.
What minerals are commonly found in magma?
Copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc
These minerals can be valuable after volcanic eruptions.
True or False: Large settlements are common in earthquake zones.
True
Many urban areas are located in seismically active regions.
Who do the people in Mount Merapi, Indonesia, worship?
Ancient spirits
This reflects the cultural practices and beliefs tied to the volcano.
What are the four main strategies to reduce risks from tectonic hazards?
Monitoring, prediction, protection, planning
These strategies help in managing the risks associated with earthquakes and volcanoes.
What is the purpose of steel cross bracing in earthquake-resistant buildings?
It provides structural support to withstand seismic forces.
Steel cross bracing helps stabilize the structure during an earthquake.
What are shock absorbers used for in buildings?
They reduce the impact of seismic vibrations.
Shock absorbers are typically made of rubber.
What is a mass damper and how does it work?
A mass damper is a heavy metal weight that prevents buildings from swaying during an earthquake.
It is designed to counteract the forces of seismic activity.
What type of foundation is recommended for earthquake-resistant buildings?
Strong simple steel rod foundations.
These foundations enhance the stability and safety of the structure.
How do TV and radio stations contribute to earthquake preparedness?
They prepare to broadcast warnings during seismic events.
Timely information can help inform and protect the public.
What should people keep in their emergency kits at home?
Water, food, a torch, and a radio.
These supplies are essential for survival during emergencies.
What happens to gas supplies during a volcanic eruption?
Gas supplies automatically turn off.
This is a safety measure to prevent fires and explosions.
What is the first step in the formation of tropical clouds?
Evaporation from the ocean
What causes warm air to rise quickly?
Heat from the ocean
What happens to the air as it rises?
It cools and condenses
What do large clouds create as a result of condensation?
Heavy rainfall
What type of clouds bring intense heavy rainfall?
Cumulonimbus clouds
What is the role of strong winds in a storm?
They form clouds that stack up at the center of the storm
True or False: The cooling of rising air leads to the formation of clouds.
True
Fill in the blank: The process of water turning into vapor is called _______.
Evaporation
What happens to some cooled air during the storm formation process?
It sinks back down
What was the immediate response to the disaster?
Cash for work programmes paid people to help clear up rubble and debris.
This program aimed to provide immediate employment to those affected while also addressing the cleanup efforts.
How many people lost their jobs as a result of the disaster?
6 million people lost their job.
This figure highlights the widespread impact of the disaster on employment.
What was a primary effect of strong winds during the disaster?
Damaged buildings and power lines and destroyed crops.
These damages contributed to the overall devastation in the affected areas.
How many homes were damaged as a secondary effect of the disaster?
40,000 homes damaged.
The destruction of homes significantly impacted the living conditions of many families.
What role did US aircraft and helicopters play during the disaster?
Helped with search and rescue.
This assistance was crucial in locating and aiding those who were trapped or in need.
What happened to Tacloban city airport as a result of the disaster?
Tacloban city airport was badly damaged.
The damage to the airport hindered transportation and relief efforts.
What infrastructure was built to assist those evacuated from coastal areas?
Cyclone shelters were built.
These shelters provided temporary housing and protection for evacuees.
How many people were left homeless due to the disaster?
Over 600,000 people homeless.
This number reflects the scale of displacement caused by the disaster.
What does ‘monitor’ refer to in the context of hurricanes?
Loosing tracking, watching
What is the purpose of ‘pranection’?
Protection building
‘Hurricane Warnings’ are issued by which organization?
The National Hurricane Centre
What is advised when hurricane conditions are expected?
Take immediate action (e.g. evacuate or move to higher ground)
What can be added to homes to reinforce the roof and walls?
‘Hurricane straps’ (galvanized metal)
What can be done with furniture to prepare for a hurricane?
Strapped to the floor or moved indoors
What is the purpose of aircraft designed for tropical storms?
To make observations of air pressure, rainfall, and wind speed
What can be added to windows for hurricane protection?
Shutters
What should be removed to reduce hurricane risk?
Trees that are close to buildings
What is ‘Hurricane Preparedness Week’ focused on?
Educating people about the potential dangers in hurricane season
What does a ‘Hurricane Watch’ indicate?
When hurricane conditions are possible
What is important to ensure for quick evacuation?
Ensuring vehicles have fuel
What can be prepared in advance for disaster situations?
Disaster supply kits
How can bicycles be used in hurricane preparedness?
To give warning to remote communities
What is the purpose of emergency generators?
To allow a backup supply of electricity
What types of coastal defenses can be built?
Levees and flood walls
What is important to know regarding evacuation?
Knowledge of evacuation centres and routes/procedures
What role do satellites play in monitoring tropical storms?
They observe classic cloud patterns associated with tropical storms
Why are low lying areas considered more of a risk during hurricanes?
Buildings and homes are more vulnerable to storm surges
What are the main natural causes of climate change?
- Changes in the Earth’s orbit (Milankovitch cycles)
- Solar activity
- Volcanic activity
These causes have been affecting the climate throughout history, even before human presence.
What are Milankovitch cycles?
Cycles that affect the climate based on changes in the Earth’s orbit
Identified by scientist Milankovitch, these cycles include orbital changes, axial tilt, and precession.
How does the axial tilt of the Earth change over time?
The tilt changes between 21.5° and 24.45° over a period of about 41,000 years
This tilt affects the distance from the sun, influencing temperatures.
What is eccentricity in relation to Earth’s orbit?
The shape of Earth’s orbit changes from almost circular to elliptical over approximately 100,000 years
An elliptical orbit can lead to cooler temperatures on Earth.
What is the wobble of the Earth called?
Precession
This wobble cycle takes about 26,000 years and affects climate patterns.
What is a sunspot?
Dark patches on the surface of the sun that increase and decrease in number over an 11-year cycle
Maximum sunspot activity can lead to increased heat from the sun.
What happens during maximum sunspot activity?
The sun gives off more heat
This can lead to warmer temperatures on Earth.
What historical period is thought to be linked to low sunspot activity?
The ‘Little Ice Age’ (1645 - 1714)
This period experienced cooler temperatures that may have been influenced by decreased sunspot activity.
How does volcanic activity affect climate?
Violent eruptions release ash and gases into the atmosphere, which can block sunlight and reduce temperatures
This effect is typically short-term.
What is a volcanic winter?
A reduction in temperatures caused by volcanic eruptions
This occurs due to ash and gases blocking solar radiation.
What is the Enhanced Greenhouse effect?
The Enhanced Greenhouse effect refers to the increased capacity of the Earth’s atmosphere to trap heat due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.
Define the Greenhouse effect.
The Greenhouse effect is the natural process by which certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm.
What gases are primarily responsible for the Enhanced Greenhouse effect?
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Methane (CH4)
- Nitrous oxide (N2O)
- Water vapor (H2O)
Fill in the blank: The gas _______ contributes significantly to the Enhanced Greenhouse effect.
carbon dioxide
True or False: The Enhanced Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon.
False
What role does solar radiation play in the Greenhouse effect?
Solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s surface and then re-radiated as heat, which is trapped by greenhouse gases.
What is the impact of increased greenhouse gases on the atmosphere?
Increased greenhouse gases lead to a rise in global temperatures and climate change.
Fill in the blank: _______ is a potent greenhouse gas that has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide.
methane
List two human activities that contribute to the Enhanced Greenhouse effect.
- Burning fossil fuels
- Deforestation
Define ‘radiation’ in the context of climate change.
Radiation in this context refers to the energy emitted by the Earth, primarily in the form of infrared radiation, which is trapped by greenhouse gases.
What is the consequence of trapping solar radiation in the atmosphere?
It leads to an increase in global temperatures, contributing to climate change.
