DRRR Quarterly Test: Hazards and Disasters

Questions and Answers

What should you do if you observe unusual roaring sounds from the ocean?

Stay where you are and monitor the situation.

Inform others to come and watch the ocean.

Return to the beach to investigate.

Evacuate immediately to higher ground. (correct)

What factor is NOT considered in risk assessment?

Assessing weather conditions. (correct)

Analyzing potential impact.

Identifying potential hazards.

Evaluating existing controls.

Which of the following is a tsunami safety measure if you are at sea?

Return to port immediately.

Stay close to the shore.

Move your vessel to deep water. (correct)

Anchor your boat to wait.

What is one of the key steps in earthquake preparedness?

Identifying safe spots in your home. Signup and view all the answers

Which mitigation strategy is NOT relevant for volcanic hazards?

Retrofitting existing structures. Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing during an earthquake if you are outdoors?

Stand under a tree. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is part of mitigating risks?

Implementing control measures. Signup and view all the answers

What is an immediate reaction during a volcanic eruption?

Follow evacuation orders. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a hazard from a disaster?

A hazard is a potential source of harm, while a disaster is significant damage or loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of natural hazard?

Nuclear accident Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the probability of a hazard causing harm?

Risk Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of preparedness for a disaster?

Assembling disaster supply kits Signup and view all the answers

What type of hazard includes events like cyclones and storms?

Meteorological Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following impacts is associated with hazards to the economy?

Business interruption and loss of income Signup and view all the answers

What are volcanic hazards associated with?

Internal earth processes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a biological hazard?

Disease epidemic Signup and view all the answers

What are lava flows primarily known for?

Destroying everything in their path Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary hazard caused by volcanic eruptions?

Pyroclastic flows Signup and view all the answers

What can indicate an impending volcanic eruption?

Changes in gas emissions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a secondary hazard related to earthquakes?

Liquefaction Signup and view all the answers

What are ballistic projectiles known to cause?

Threat due to force of impact Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of lahars as a secondary hazard?

They are mudflows triggered by volcanic debris and water Signup and view all the answers

Changes in hydrothermal activity may be indicative of what?

Rising magma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary hazard of earthquakes?

Tsunamis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hazards and Disasters

Hazards can be natural (volcano, earthquake), technological (nuclear accident), or hydrometeorological (typhoon).
Disasters result from hazards causing significant damage or loss of life.
Risk is defined as the probability of harm, factoring in the severity of the hazard and vulnerability of exposed elements.
Mitigation involves reducing or eliminating long-term risks through protective structures, early warning systems, and public education.
Preparedness includes creating emergency plans, disaster supply kits, and conducting drills.

Types of Hazards

Natural Hazards: Physically occurring phenomena classified into:
- Geophysical: earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic activity
- Hydrological: avalanches, floods
- Climatological: extreme temperatures, droughts, wildfires
- Meteorological: cyclones, storms, wave surges
- Biological: disease epidemics, insect/animal plagues
Hydrometeorological hazards focus on atmospheric water issues (e.g., typhoons, floods, droughts).
Geological hazards involve internal earth processes (earthquakes, eruptions, landslides).
Biological hazards include disease outbreaks from microorganisms.
Technological hazards arise from human activity (industrial accidents, pollution).

Impacts of Hazards

People: Can suffer injury, death, displacement, and psychological trauma.
Property: Hazards can damage or destroy buildings, infrastructure, and agricultural lands.
Environment: Pollution and habitat destruction can lead to ecosystem disruption.
Economy: Hazards disrupt business operations, leading to loss of income and increased costs.

Volcanic Hazards

Primary Hazards involve direct eruption effects:
- Lava flows: destructive streams of molten rock.
- Pyroclastic flows: fast currents of hot gas and rock, highly dangerous.
- Ashfall: ejected volcanic particles causing respiratory issues and transport disruption.
- Ballistic projectiles: rock fragments launched from the volcano.
- Volcanic gases: can be toxic, causing health problems and environmental damage.
Secondary Hazards result from eruptions:
- Lahars: mudflows from volcanic debris and water mixture.
- Tsunamis: large waves from eruptions or landslides.
- Landslides: slope collapses caused by volcanic instability.

Signs of an Impending Volcanic Eruption

Increased seismic activity indicates magma movement.
Changes in gas emissions signal potential eruptions.
Ground deformation (swelling, tilting) can suggest magma intrusion.
Changes in hot spring activity may indicate rising magma.
Other signs include dying vegetation, increased steam, and unusual animal behavior.

Earthquake Hazards

Primary Hazards:
- Ground shaking: rapid vibrations cause structural damage.
- Ground rupture: deformations along fault lines create fissures.
Secondary Hazards:
- Liquefaction: saturated soil behaving like liquid, endangering structures.
- Landslides: movement triggered by shaking.
- Tsunamis: generated by underwater earthquakes.
- Fires: caused by ruptured gas lines or electrical damage.

Tsunami Signs and Safety

Natural tsunami signs include strong coastal earthquakes, unusually receding ocean waters, and unusual ocean sounds.
Safety Measures:
- Evacuate to higher ground if any signs of a tsunami appear.
- Boats at sea should move to deep water rather than return to port.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Risk assessment identifies hazards and analyzes potential impacts.
Mitigation reduces long-term risks via protective measures and public education.
Earthquake mitigation includes enforcing building codes and public education.
Volcanic mitigation involves early warning systems and evacuation plans.

Steps in Risk Assessment

Identify hazards through various surveys and audits.
Assess risks by evaluating the likelihood and severity of potential harm.
Implement control measures to reduce risks.
Verify effectiveness of changes made to ensure they do not introduce new hazards.

Preparedness and Safety Measures

Earthquake preparedness includes creating emergency plans, identifying safe spots, and having supply kits.
Volcanic preparedness involves staying informed and having evacuation plans.
Tsunami preparedness necessitates knowledge of warning signs and evacuation routes.
In an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on; outdoors, stay clear of structures.
In a volcanic eruption, adhere to evacuation orders and protect against ashfall.

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Description

Prepare for your DRRR quarterly test with a focus on key concepts related to hazards and disasters. Understand the differences between hazards, disasters, and risks, as well as examples from natural, technological, and hydrometeorological sources. This quiz will help you review essential terminology and important ideas.