Natural Hazards

Question 1

Definition of a natural hazard

Answer 1

A natural event, such as landslides which have a impact socially and economically on people.

Question 2

What are the different types of natural hazard?

Answer 2

• Volcanic erruptions
• earthquakes
• storms
• tsunami (huge waves caused by earthquakes)
• landslides
• floods

Question 3

Factors affecting hazard risk

Answer 3

• Urbanisation:
• -Over 50% of the world’s population now live in cities. More populated a place is, the more risk of hazard, more casualties and more economical and social damage. For example some of the world’s largest cities such as Tokyo and Istanbul are at risk from earthquakes
• Poverty:
• -In poorer parts of the world poverty may force them to live in areas of risk. Especially true in places like Lima in Peru or Caracas in Venezuela. Shortage of housing here, has led to people building on unstable slopes prone to floods and landslides.
• Farming:
• • when a river floods it deposits fertile silt on its floodplain, which is excellent for farming. But when people choose to live there they put their lives at risk. In low-lying countries many people live on floodplains, like that of the River Ganges in Bangladesh.
• Climate change:
• • In a warmer world the atmosphere will have more energy leading to more intense storms and hurricanes. Climate change may cause some parts to get wetter with an increased risk of flooding. Other areas may become drier and prone to droughts and famines.