Unit 9 Hazards Flashcards
Geophysical processes:
natural processes that occur within the Earth’s crust or interior, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and plate tectonics.
Tectonic processes:
the processes related to the movement and deformation of the Earth’s crust, including plate movements, mountain building, and earthquakes.
Geomorphological processes:
natural processes that shape the Earth’s surface, such as weathering, erosion, and deposition by wind, water, and ice.
Atmospheric processes:
natural processes that occur in the Earth’s atmosphere, including weather, climate, and atmospheric circulation.
Vulnerability:
the susceptibility of a system, community, or population to harm or damage from a hazard or stressor.
Exposure:
the physical presence or proximity of a system, community, or population to a hazard or stressor.
Resilience:
the ability of a system, community, or population to withstand and recover from the impacts of a hazard or stressor.
Magnitude:
the size or strength of a hazard or stressor, such as the magnitude of an earthquake or the intensity of a storm.
Prediction systems:
systems that use data and models to forecast the occurrence, location, and potential impacts of hazards or stressors.
Evacuation:
the process of moving people and/or goods away from a hazard or disaster area to a safer location
What are natural hazards and natural disasters?
Natural hazards refer to natural events that pose a threat to human life and property, while natural disasters refer to the consequences of these events resulting in significant damage to life, property, and the environment.
When does a natural hazard become a disaster?
A natural hazard becomes a disaster when it causes significant damage to human life, property, and the environment, resulting in economic and social losses.
What is the global trend in natural disasters?
The global trend in natural disasters is increasing, with more frequent and intense extreme weather events due to climate change, among other factors.
How do natural hazards change in scale, magnitude and frequency?
Natural hazards can change in scale, magnitude, and frequency due to various factors such as climate change, land use change, and population growth.
Why are some places more vulnerable than others?
Some places are more vulnerable to natural hazards than others due to factors such as their location, climate, land use practices, and socioeconomic conditions.
