11 Questions
What aspect of a natural hazard does the 'Magnitudes' indicator signify?
It signifies the importance of an event in terms of its intensity and impact.
What does 'Speed of onset' refer to in the context of natural hazards?
The length of time between the first appearance or warning of an event and its peak.
Which indicator describes the predictability of when and where a natural hazard may occur in a specific area?
Areal reliability
What does 'Frequency' indicate in relation to natural hazards?
'Return period' - how often an event of a given magnitude may be expected to re-occur.
Which type of natural hazard is more likely to have a rapid onset?
Flood
'Areal extent' refers to:
The area over which a natural hazard affects.
'Magnitude' as an indicator in natural hazards signifies:
The importance of an event in terms of its intensity and impact.
'Duration' indicator in natural hazards refers to:
The period of time over which a natural hazard occurs.
'Areal reliability' indicates:
The predictability of when and where a hazard may occur.
Why is understanding the 'Frequency' important in assessing natural hazards?
To assess how often an event of a given magnitude may re-occur.
What information can be inferred from the 'Speed of onset' indicator in geological hazards?
The time interval between initial detection or warning and peak impact of a hazard.
Study Notes
Natural Hazards and Disasters
- Natural hazards occur when extreme natural processes (e.g. earthquakes, floods, landslides) have the potential to affect human life and property.
- A natural disaster occurs when a natural hazard exceeds normal expectations of frequency or impact.
Types of Natural Hazards
- Geologic processes: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides
- Natural hazards can be classified into four categories: physical, biotic, geomorphic, and locational
Hazard Maps
- Hazard maps are used to identify areas prone to hazards brought by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides
Coping with Geological Hazards
- Practical ways of coping with geological hazards include: preparing disaster risk reduction and management plans, conducting evacuation drills, and promoting public awareness and education
Natural Environment
- The natural environment is unstable and can produce environmental risks and changes
- Natural environment resources can be classified into: physical (energy, mineral, and soil), biotic (forest, fish, animals), geomorphic (flat plains), and locational (good location for transport, communication, and defense)
Terms to Know
- Hazard: a threat that has the potential to cause loss of life, injury, socio-economic disruption, or environmental degradation
- Disaster: a major hazard that causes widespread disruption with significant demographic, economic, and environmental loss
- Vulnerability: susceptibility to injury or attack, leading to financial, structural, and human losses
- Disaster Risk: the probability of a hazard event causing harmful consequences
- Exposure: the degree to which a community is likely to experience a hazard event of different magnitude
- Hazard Profiling: analyzing natural hazards using six indicators: magnitude, speed of onset, duration, frequency, areal extent, and areal reliability
Test your knowledge on various hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Learn about using hazard maps to identify vulnerable areas and discover practical coping mechanisms for geological hazards. Are you prepared for disaster? Find out with this quiz!
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