Geological Hazards Overview

Study Notes

Geological Hazards Overview

Geological hazards refer to conditions or events that pose risks to life and property due to geological processes like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.

Earthquake

Earthquakes result from the sudden release of energy along geological faults or due to volcanic activity.
Consequences of earthquakes include building collapses, tsunamis, landslides, and changes to the ground level.

Earthquake Hazards

Ground Shaking:
- Vibration of the land surface during an earthquake.
- Intensity is influenced by the earthquake's magnitude and distance from the epicenter.
- Can lead to partial or total building collapses.
Ground Displacement:
- Involves the horizontal or vertical movement of the ground along fault zones.
- Affects a smaller area but can severely damage nearby structures.
Liquefaction:
- Process in which solid soil or rock is transformed into a liquid-like state during ground shaking.
- Causes large structures to tilt or sink into the liquefied ground.
Tsunami:
- A series of long, high ocean waves triggered by seismic activity beneath the sea.
- Results in coastal flooding and significant destruction of property.
Fire:
- Can occur due to ruptured gas lines from ground shaking or displacement.
- Increases the risk of explosions and poses a threat to life and property.

Risk Management

Understanding and identifying hazard-prone areas through hazard mapping is crucial for disaster preparedness.
Practical coping mechanisms include community planning and constructing resilient infrastructure to mitigate potential damage.
Human activities, such as deforestation and construction on unstable slopes, can exacerbate the risk of landslides, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.

Description

This quiz covers geological hazards, focusing on earthquakes and their associated risks. Learn about key concepts such as ground shaking, ground displacement, and liquefaction, and their impacts on structures and the environment. Test your understanding of these important geological processes.