Why do the impacts on human activity of such hazards vary over time and location?

Question 1

Impacts on human activities vary over time according to:

Answer 1

• Level of development/technology
• Recurrence interval and frequency of event
• Time of day, season, year
• Build up of events – warning interval

Question 2

Impacts on human vary with location according to:

Answer 2

• Distance from plate margin, river, slope etc.
• Ability to predict or forecast (level of technology)
• Population density, distribution, level of perception and education
• Level of communications – warning systems
• Mobility of population
• Highland versus lowland
• Urban versus rural
• Level of development – building type, ability to warn/evacuate
• Remoteness
• Type and size (magnitude) of hazard or mix of hazards
• Geology and rock structure – weak rock is more vulnerable