Unit 1 Flashcards
An earthquake in Haiti would likely have a more serious impact than one in Canada. Explain.
Haiti is:
-more densely populated
-their financial resources are allocated to more immediate needs (food vs education)
-they are lacking in disaster mitigation and preparedness
-lack engineered standards, codes, and plans
-overall lower education level
Explain why a magnitude 7.0 earthquake is more likely to be a serious issue in British Columbia than a magnitude 8.5 earthquake.
Magnitude-frequency relation and that M7’s occur closer to populated areas because they are *shallower
Provide an example of how one type of geological hazard can lead to or worsen another type
Earthquakes cause Tsunamis
Volcanic Eruptions cause Lahars, Wildfires
Heavy Rainfall causes Landslides
Coastal Erosion cause Storm Surges
Climate Change case Glacier Retreat
Wildfires cause landslides
How are wildfires beneficial to forest ecosystems?
They are a natural service function; they clear old growth, create space for sunlight to reach smaller plants, add important nutrients to soil, releases seeds that would otherwise stay encapsulated
Why is the location (65˚N), and time of year (July) specifically used while studying the Milankovitch cycles?
65˚N is an ideal location for glacier formation because here is more land there (temp changes quicker)
In July, 65˚N has cool and ideal temp for glacial growth (Oct, Jan too cold)
What factors allowed scientist to identify 65˚N as an ideal location for glacial formation?
Past climates
historic antarctic glacial ice temps
solar forcing
current continent locations
Why are temps increases in BC less extreme in coastal areas vs inland?
ocean cools air through heat exchange, coastal climate is moderate compared to inland, the maritime effect (oceans warm less than land)
Why are precipitation levels higher and snowfall levels lower in BC than before?
Climate change has made our temperatures rise causing there to be less cold weather conducive to snow formation.
How does less snowfall and increased rainfall affect communities that rely on surface water resources?
reduced snow pack (natural reservoir with gradual release)
earlier and rapid spring run off
increased risk of drought due to quicker depletion of water
Why are increasing sea-surface temps in North pacific leading to more intense storms?
-the exchange of sea water evap with cool precipitation gives rise to storm activity
-warmer ocean water = more intense storms
-storms bring more moisture inland*
Disasters have been less fatal in recent years but more expensive. Explain.
Warning systems
Building codes
Access to knowledge and tech
Emergency response and planning
Why would an earthquake have larger financial impacts in Canada and larger death toll impacts in Haiti?
Haiti is more densely populated, lack warning systems, lack building codes, less infrastructure dedicated to transportation and less infrastructure in general
Give example of feedback mechanisms.
-Greenhouse gases and Earths temperature
-Milankovitch cycles (orbit, axial tilt) and Earths absorption of solar radiation
-Ocean temperatures and deep water currents
How do small forcing mechanisms lead to multiple-degree temperature changes over short periods of time?
Through the amplification of feedback mechanisms
Over the last 800,000 years, Methane and temperature variations have exhibited a strong correlation. Explain why?
A feedback mechanism where higher temps release methane from natural reservoirs (wetlands, permafrost) and more methane (GHG) causes higher temps
