Physical Geography - Hazards Flashcards
Define hazard
A perceived event that threatens both life and property. May cause a loss of life and/or damage to the built environment.
What is a geographical hazard?
A hazard caused by movements in Earth’s tectonic plates.
Name 3 examples of a geographical hazard
Earthquakes
Volcanoes
Tsunamis
What is an atmospheric hazard?
A hazard caused by atmospheric processes such as climate or weather.
Name 4 examples of an atmospheric hazard
Tropical storms
Storm surges
Droughts
Wildfires
What is a hydrological hazard?
A hazard caused by rivers, seas or oceans.
Name an example of a hydrological hazard
Floods
Define risk
The exposure of people to a hazardous event, presenting a potential threat to themselves, their possessions and the built environment in which they live.
What 7 main factors affect a person’s perception of hazards and risk? Try to name 4
Socio-economic status
Level of education
Occupation/employment status
Religious/cultural/ethical backgrounds
Family and marital status
Past experiences
Values, personality and expectations
Name the three main perceptions of hazards
Fatalism
Adaptation
Fear
What is a Fatalist perception of hazards?
A view of a hazard that suggests that people cannot influence or shape the outcome, therefore nothing can be done to mitigate against it.
- God’s will
- May take limited or no preventative measures
- Accept that losses are inevitable and unavoidable
What is an Adaptive perception of hazards?
Attempts by people or communities to live with hazard events, by adjusting living conditions to reduce their level of vulnerability and increasing survival chances through prediction, prevention and protection.
- Tends to depend on economic circumstance
- May not be possible for those living in poverty
What is a Fearful perception of hazards?
People feel so vulnerable that they move away to regions perceived to be unaffected by the hazards.
What does the acronym MPPP mean in terms of natural hazard management?
Monitoring
Prediction
Protection
Prevention
What are the 4 layers of the Earth called?
Crust
Mantle
Outer core
Inner core
Name the 2 main processes by which the inner core generates heat
Radiogenic
Primordial
Describe what is meant by radiogenic heat
Heat from radioactive decay of isotopes like Uranium 238
Describe what is meant by primordial heat
Heat left over from the formation of Earth
