Topic 5- Natural Hazards

Question 1

Hazard definition

Answer 1

• Something thats a potential threat to human life or property
• They are caused by natural processes

Question 2

3 types of natural hazards

Answer 2

1) Geophysical
2 Atmospheric
3) Hydrological

Question 3

What are Geophysical hazards caused by and give 3 examples

Answer 3

• caused by land processes

- Earthquakes, Volcanic eruptions, landslides and tsunamis

Question 4

What are Atmospheric hazards caused by and give 3 examples

Answer 4

• caused by climatic processes

- Tropical cyclones, storms, droughts, extreme hot or cold weather and wildfires

Question 5

What are hydrological hazards caused by and give 3 examples

Answer 5

• caused by water movement

- Floods and avalanches

Question 6

Disaster definition

Answer 6

When a hazard seriously affects humans

Question 7

Risk definition

Answer 7

Likelihood that humans will be seriously affected by a hazard

Question 8

Vulnerability definition

Answer 8

How susceptible a population is to damage caused by a hazard

Question 9

2 ways people’s circumstances affect their perception of hazards

Answer 9

1) People view hazard in different ways

2) Economic, social and cultural background

Question 10

How do peoples views affect their perception of a hazard

Answer 10

for example, some people believe they will never experience a particular hazard; some people adapt to minimise risk; and others accept hazards are beyond their control

Question 11

How do economic backgrounds affect peoples perception of hazards

Answer 11

-WEALTH, richer ppl may be able to afford to move to areas that are less prone to hazards/ or build their home to withstand hazards- so see less risk

Question 12

How do social backgrounds affect hazard perception

Answer 12

• EDUCATION, people who are educated understand risks, or believe they can reduce risks or mitigate impacts
• PAST EXPERIENCE, people who’ve experienced hazards may have a different view on future hazards
• PERSONALITY, some ppl fear hazards whereas some might think they r exciting

Question 13

How do cultural backgrounds affect hazard perception

Answer 13

RELIGION, some ppl view hazards as acts of God, sent to punish ppl

Question 14

Examples of responses to hazards

Answer 14

1) PREVENTION: E.G flood defences/ Risk sharing, involving sharing costs of reducing hazard e.g ppl buying insurance before hazard
2) MITIGATION: (reducing impacts) E.G Prediction of where it will occur, allowing ppl to respond in time, It could also be by adaptation such as earthquake resistant buildings
3) COORDINATION, by governments to manage it effectively
4) FATALISM, some ppl believe hazards can’t be avoided, so accept them

Question 15

What is the name of the model used to show people how to respond to hazards

Answer 15

Park model

Question 16

1st phase of Park model

Answer 16

(Pre-disaster)

Before the event the situation is normal

Question 17

2nd phase of Park model

Answer 17

(Disruption)

During and directly after event, there is destruction of property and life before ppl can respond

Question 18

3rd phase of park model

Answer 18

(Relief)

In aftermath, rescue efforts focus on saving ppl and preventing further damage

Question 19

4th phase of Park model

Answer 19

(Rehabilitation)
Once immediate impacts are controlled, ppl start to resolve longer-term problems
E.G. providing temporary shelter and aid

Question 20

5th phase of Park model

Answer 20

(Reconstruction)
Involves rebuilding permanent houses and infrastructure.
Two outcomes:
If buildings built to same standard, area turns back to normal
If buildings built to higher standard, area improves (vulnerability decreases)