Natural Hazards in 2024

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary reason for studying natural hazards?

  • Understanding the causes and prevention of hazards.
  • Reducing the overall cost of natural hazards.
  • Identifying the precise location of the next major natural hazard. (correct)
  • Developing strategies for preparing for hazards.

Based on the provided data, which natural hazard category in Canada resulted in the highest documented financial damage during the last decade?

  • Seismic
  • Atmospheric
  • Hydrologic
  • Wildfire (correct)

The Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) system has been criticized for several reasons. Which of the following issues is specifically mentioned in the text?

  • The system relies heavily on private insurance companies, which can lead to higher premiums for consumers.
  • The DFAA thresholds, despite being tripled, have not kept pace with the increasing frequency and severity of disasters. (correct)
  • The system has limited ability to provide assistance to businesses impacted by natural disasters.
  • The DFAA system is primarily designed to address only earthquakes and tsunamis.

Based on the information provided, which of the following statements most accurately reflects the trend in Canada's annual expenses due to natural disasters?

<p>Annual expenses have doubled in the last decade, indicating a significant increase in the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text discusses multiple natural disasters that occurred in 2024. Which of these events resulted in the highest number of deaths, according to the information provided?

<p>Super Typhoon Yagi (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant issue discussed in the text regarding the DFAA system and its effectiveness?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these natural disasters in Canada resulted in the highest financial costs, according to the text provided?

<p>Fort McMurray Wildfire (2016) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The information presented suggests that the DFAA system faces challenges in addressing the increasing occurrence and intensity of natural disasters. Why is this a growing concern?

<p>The system is not adequately equipped to handle the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of natural hazards, which of the following aspects contributes significantly to the financial losses associated with disasters?

<p>Failure to properly assess and mitigate risks associated with specific natural hazards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category of natural disasters in Canada contributes the most to insured damages?

<p>Atmospheric (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events could be considered both a natural and an anthropogenic hazard?

<p>A landslide triggered by deforestation in a mountainous region (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided information, which of the following accurately reflects the relationship between magnitude and frequency of an event?

<p>The lower the magnitude of an event, the less frequently it will occur (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, what is the primary difference between 'risk' and 'vulnerability' in the context of natural disasters?

<p>Risk is a measure of the potential harm, while vulnerability is the weakness that increases the chance of harm when the event occurs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of an anthropogenic factor contributing to increased wildfire risk?

<p>Improperly managed campfires in wilderness areas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The equation M=Fe^-x, representing the relationship between magnitude and frequency is significant because it enables us to do which of the following?

<p>Estimate and allocate resources for disaster preparedness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these events is NOT an example of a catastrophe, according to the provided text?

<p>Hurricane Fiona causing $660M in damages and severe flooding (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of 'reactive response recovery' in the context of natural disasters?

<p>Responding to and recovering from disasters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the uniformitarianism concept?

<p>The Earth is shaped by ongoing, gradual processes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider the following events: (1) 2024 Japan Earthquake, (2) 2011 Japan Tsunami, (3) 2024 Kerala Landslide. Which statement best relates these events to the concepts of cause, trigger, and correlation?

<p>Event (1) triggered Event (2), both being caused by seismic activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these exemplifies the difference between susceptibility and vulnerability?

<p>A region prone to hurricanes is susceptible, while poorly built homes make it vulnerable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the emergency work stage following a disaster?

<p>Rescue operations and medical aid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the Milanković cycles contribute to understanding climate change?

<p>They explain long-term climate variations through orbital changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method provides the highest accuracy for measuring climate change?

<p>Direct modern methods (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes climate forcing?

<p>It occurs when climate changes increase hazard risks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are ground subsidence and thermokarst primarily influenced by?

<p>Melting glaciers and permafrost (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of hazards is NOT typically affected by climate change?

<p>Earthquakes and tornadoes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of indirect methods of measuring climate change?

<p>They often rely on subjective interpretation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The restoration stage following a disaster typically focuses on which of the following?

<p>Reopening businesses and repairing infrastructure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about climate change and its impacts on natural hazards is accurate?

<p>Natural hazards are more severe due to climate change consequences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proxy method for measuring climate change?

<p>Satellite data (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A community heavily reliant on a single, vulnerable infrastructure system for transportation, energy, and communication is considered high in which aspect?

<p>Vulnerability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a crucial factor in mitigating potential damages from natural hazards?

<p>Ignoring historical trends and patterns (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies the concept of 'interdisciplinary work' in a 'Smart Hazard Approach'?

<p>Designing earthquake-resistant buildings using knowledge from both seismology and engineering (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the "Smart Hazard Approach" crucial for addressing global natural disasters?

<p>It encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among countries, enhancing global disaster preparedness and response. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between a natural hazard and a natural disaster?

<p>A natural hazard is a potential threat arising from natural processes, while a natural disaster is the actual occurrence of that threat causing damage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between magnitude and frequency of natural events as described in the text?

<p>Events with higher magnitude tend to occur less frequently, while lower magnitude events are more common. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of natural disasters, what is the difference between a 'trigger' and a 'cause'?

<p>A trigger is a short-term event that initiates a hazard, while a cause is a long-term condition that sets the stage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples best illustrates the concept of 'linkages between hazards'?

<p>An earthquake triggering a tsunami (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is studying natural hazards essential for saving lives and reducing economic losses?

<p>Understanding natural hazards enables us to develop and implement strategies for risk mitigation and preparedness, minimizing their impact. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources of energy does NOT contribute to natural hazards as described in the text?

<p>Nuclear energy from fission reactions within the Earth's core (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used to directly measure climate change?

<p>Tree ring analysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between Milanković Cycles and climate forcing?

<p>Milanković Cycles explain long-term climate changes, which can contribute to climate forcing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hazards is LEAST likely to be influenced by climate change?

<p>Earthquakes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the relationship between climate forcing and natural hazards is correct?

<p>Climate forcing can alter the conditions that influence the occurrence and severity of natural hazards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to establish a clear link between climate forcing and hazards?

<p>To understand the complex interactions between climate change and natural hazards for effective risk management. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a key limitation of proxy methods for measuring climate change?

<p>They provide limited information about the magnitude and frequency of past climate events. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies how climate change directly affects the occurrence of natural hazards?

<p>A hurricane intensifying over warmer ocean waters makes landfall with higher wind speeds and rainfall. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'ground subsidence' as influenced by climate change?

<p>The sinking of land due to the melting of permafrost, leading to the formation of sinkholes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a factor in shaping the Earth's orbital variations, as described in the Milanković Cycles?

<p>Solar activity (sunspot cycles) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the 'Reconstruction' stage in disaster recovery?

<p>Long-term rebuilding efforts, including improvements to hazard resilience and infrastructure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the financial impact of the Hurricane Helene disaster in 2024?

<p>$22 billion in damages (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which significant natural disaster in 2024 resulted in the largest number of displaced individuals?

<p>Brazil Floods (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Canada, which category of natural hazard involves the potential for destructive geological events?

<p>Geologic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a pressing issue concerning the DFAA system's function in natural disaster management?

<p>Delays in payments for low-income homeowners (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the total spending reported for disaster financial assistance arrangements (DFAA) in Canada for the year 2018-19?

<p>$310 million (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following natural disasters was classified as the most expensive in Canadian history?

<p>Fort McMurray Wildfire (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What economic trend pertaining to climate-related disaster costs has been observed in Canada over the past decade?

<p>Climate-related disaster costs have doubled (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category of natural hazards contributes primarily to financial losses due to severe weather events?

<p>Hydrologic hazards (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which natural disaster was connected with extreme temperatures, contributing to a high death toll in India?

<p>India Heat Waves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why interdisciplinary work is critical in a Smart Hazard Approach?

<p>To understand and mitigate disasters through various expert perspectives. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples illustrates a significant economic impact of a natural disaster?

<p>The Fort McMurray wildfire that caused $4 billion in damages. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between a disaster and a catastrophe?

<p>A disaster is localized, while a catastrophe has long-term consequences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes an event that occurs without any human influence?

<p>Natural hazard (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the equation $M = Fe^{-x}$ represent the relationship between magnitude and frequency?

<p>It indicates that larger events cause more significant losses less often. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does climate change impact natural hazards?

<p>It increases the severity and frequency of several natural disasters. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which source of energy is NOT listed as influencing natural hazards?

<p>Geothermal energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of survivor and witness accounts following natural disasters?

<p>They offer realistic descriptions that illustrate the human impact of disasters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'vulnerability' refer to in the context of natural disasters?

<p>The weaknesses that exacerbate the impact of disasters. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept relates to the idea that past patterns can help predict future hazards?

<p>Risk analysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the concept of 'vulnerability', as defined in the text?

<p>A community with outdated building codes and weak emergency response systems, making it more susceptible to severe consequences during a natural disaster. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between 'catastrophism' and 'uniformitarianism' in shaping the Earth?

<p>Both catastrophism and uniformitarianism play vital roles in shaping the Earth, with major events causing sudden changes and ongoing processes shaping landscapes gradually. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The equation M = Fe^-x relates the magnitude (M) of a natural event to its frequency (F). What insight does this equation provide for disaster preparedness?

<p>It helps us understand that although larger magnitude events are less frequent, they require more resources and infrastructure to effectively prepare and mitigate their impact. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider the following: (1) Heavy rainfall (Cause), (2) Soil saturation reaching a tipping point (Trigger), (3) Landslide (Hazard). Which statement best describes their relationship based on the text?

<p>A landslide is caused by heavy rainfall, which saturates the soil beyond its capacity, leading to the trigger of a landslide. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which natural disaster category is primarily associated with the 'trigger' of a volcanic eruption?

<p>Volcanic Disasters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text's definition of 'risk' and 'uncertainty', which statement about Hurricane Fiona (2022) is most accurate?

<p>Despite the risk of Hurricane Fiona being high, the uncertainty of its exact strength and path made accurate predictions challenging. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text differentiates between 'vulnerability' and 'susceptibility' in the context of natural hazards. Which scenario best exemplifies the difference?

<p>A community with weak infrastructure is vulnerable to damage during an earthquake, but a region located in an earthquake-prone area is also susceptible to experiencing the event. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the primary goal of 'reactive response recovery' in the context of disaster management?

<p>To effectively respond to and recover from a disaster by stabilizing the situation, repairing infrastructure, and rehabilitating communities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these events is an example of an 'anthropogenic hazard,' as defined in the text, contributing to a 'natural hazard'?

<p>A landslide caused by deforestation, increasing the likelihood of soil erosion and slope instability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions that both natural and anthropogenic hazards contribute to climate change. Which of the following examples DOES NOT accurately reflect this?

<p>Volcanic eruptions releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to long-term warming trends. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following 2024 disasters with their estimated costs in billions of dollars based on the provided information.

<p>Hurricane Helene = 22 Super Typhoon Yagi = 16.9 Kerala Landslides = N/A Japan Earthquake (Jan 1) = N/A</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following natural hazard categories in Canada with their corresponding examples from the provided information.

<p>Volcanic = Ash, gases, lava flows Hydrologic = Floods, storm surges, drought Atmospheric = Hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, ice storms Seismic = Earthquakes, tsunamis, liquefaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Canadian natural disasters with their estimated costs in billions of dollars based on the provided information.

<p>Fort McMurray Wildfire = 4.0 Southern Alberta Floods = 1.8 Eastern Ice Storm = 2.3 Alberta Hailstorm = 1.2</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of the DFAA system with their corresponding issues as discussed in the provided information.

<p>Lack of flood insurance requirements in high-risk areas = Inequities in how funds are distributed Thresholds tripled in 2015 = Delays in payments affect lower-income homeowners the most No definitive study of economic disaster impact in Canada = Disasters are becoming more frequent and severe Horizontal and vertical equity issues = Lack of flood insurance requirements in high-risk areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following 2024 disasters with their approximate number of fatalities based on the provided information.

<p>Hurricane Milton = 35 Super Typhoon Yagi = 844 Chile Wildfires = 130 India Heat Waves = 3,200</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts related to natural disasters with their corresponding descriptions.

<p>Trigger = An immediate event that sets a hazard in motion Cause = An underlying factor contributing to hazard occurrence Linkage = Interconnectedness between different hazard types Risk = The likelihood and severity of potential damage from a hazard</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events from the provided text with the corresponding stages of disaster management.

<p>Reconstruction = Restoration efforts following the Fort McMurray Wildfire Response = Emergency evacuations during the Southern Alberta Floods Mitigation = Implementing stricter building codes to prevent future damage from earthquakes Preparation = Public awareness campaigns about hurricane safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following categories of natural hazards with their corresponding primary drivers or influences.

<p>Seismic = Plate tectonics Atmospheric = Climate change Hydrologic = Precipitation patterns Volcanic = Magma movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following methods of measuring climate change with their corresponding categories.

<p>Proxy methods = Analyzing tree rings and ice cores Direct measurements = Monitoring greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere Indirect measurements = Tracking sea level rise and ocean temperatures Modeling = Simulating future climate scenarios based on various factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of the DFAA system with their corresponding concerns and challenges.

<p>Delays in payments = Affecting lower-income homeowners disproportionately Tripling of thresholds in 2015 = Not keeping pace with the increasing frequency and severity of disasters Lack of comprehensive studies = Limiting understanding of the full economic impact of disasters Inequities in distribution = Raising concerns about fairness and access to funds</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following natural hazard terms with their corresponding definitions.

<p>Cause = A long-term buildup of conditions that creates a hazard. Trigger = A short-term event that initiates the hazard. Correlation = Two events happening together, but not necessarily related Causation = One event directly causes another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following natural hazard types with their respective examples.

<p>Atmospheric Disasters = 2020 Calgary Hailstorm Seismic Disasters = 2024 Japan Earthquake Geologic Disasters = 2024 Kerala Landslide Hydrologic Disasters = 2013 Southern Alberta Flood</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following stages of disaster recovery with their primary focus.

<p>Emergency Work = Search and rescue, medical aid, food, water, and shelter. Restoration = Basic infrastructure repair, businesses partially reopen. Reconstruction = Long-term rebuilding of homes, infrastructure, and services. Baseline Use = Helps governments plan and allocate resources for future recovery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts related to natural hazards with their respective descriptions.

<p>Hazard = The potential for harm. Risk = The probability of harm occurring. Vulnerability = Weakness that increases harm when an event occurs. Susceptibility = The likelihood of harm happening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following natural disaster terms with their definitions.

<p>Disaster = A serious event causing injury, death, or property damage. Catastrophe = A larger-scale disaster with long-term consequences. Magnitude = The size or energy of an event. Frequency = How often an event of a certain magnitude happens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts related to Earth's formation with their definitions.

<p>Catastrophism = Large, rare events shape the Earth. Uniformitarianism = Small, frequent events gradually shape the Earth. Magnitude-Frequency Relation = Smaller events happen more often, larger events happen less often but cause more damage. Equation: M=Fe^-x = Represents the relationship between magnitude and frequency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following natural hazard categories with their potential influence from climate change.

<p>Increased Hurricane Strength = Climate Change-Related Disasters More Frequent Wildfires = Climate Change-Related Disasters Drought &amp; Heat Waves = Climate Change-Related Disasters Volcanic Eruptions = Not Primarily Affected by Climate Change</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following methods of measuring climate change with their descriptions.

<p>Direct Measurements = Using instruments to directly measure temperature, precipitation, etc. Proxy Methods = Using indirect indicators like tree rings, ice cores, etc. Milanković Cycles = Explain long-term variations in Earth's orbit and tilt. Climate Forcing = Factors that influence Earth's energy balance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts related to climate change impacts with their definitions.

<p>Ground Subsidence = Sinking of the ground due to removal of underground support. Thermokarst = Melting permafrost causing ground collapse and instability. Interdisciplinary Work = Collaboration between different fields of study. Smart Hazard Approach = Integrated approach to address natural hazards by considering multiple factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following statements with their corresponding explanations related to natural hazards and climate change.

<p>Linkages Between Hazards = How one hazard can trigger or worsen another. Climate Forcing and Natural Hazards = The relationship between factors influencing Earth's energy balance and hazard occurrence. Proxy Methods Limitations = Accuracy depends on the chosen proxy and the extent to which it reflects past conditions. Scenario of Direct Climate Change Impact = An event where climate change directly contributes to a hazard's occurrence or intensity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each stage of disaster recovery with its typical timeframe:

<p>Emergency Work = 0-2 weeks Restoration = Months Reconstruction = Years</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each climate forcing factor with its corresponding time scale:

<p>Eccentricity = 100,000-year cycle Obliquity = 41,000-year cycle Precession = 22-26,000-year cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each method of measuring climate change with its primary advantage:

<p>Direct Methods = High accuracy and precision Indirect Methods = Long-term data record</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each natural hazard with its primary cause related to climate change:

<p>Avalanches = Warmer temperatures Earthquakes &amp; Volcanoes = Melting glaciers Floods = Increased rainfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each proxy method with its corresponding source:

<p>Tree Rings = Biological Proxies Ice Cores = Chemical Proxies Glacier Formations = Physical Proxies</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each hazard with its primary impact due to climate change:

<p>Forest Fires = Higher temperatures and drier conditions Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) = Melting glaciers Landslides = More rainfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each climate change-related process with its description:

<p>Ground Subsidence (Karst) = Bedrock dissolution Thermokarst = Melting permafrost</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each natural disaster stage with its primary focus:

<p>Emergency Work = Rescue operations and immediate aid Restoration = Infrastructure repair and business reopening Reconstruction = Long-term rebuilding and resilience improvement</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each Milanković Cycle with its description:

<p>Eccentricity = Shape of Earth's orbit Obliquity = Tilt of Earth's axis Precession = Wobble of Earth's axis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each climate change impact with its corresponding hazard:

<p>Earlier and larger avalanches = Avalanches Increased risk of floods = Floods Stronger hurricanes = Hurricanes &amp; Tornadoes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following hazard types with their corresponding category:

<p>Landslides = Geologic Hurricanes = Atmospheric Tsunamis = Seismic Droughts = Hydrologic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their relevant definitions:

<p>Cause = Long-term conditions that lead to a hazard Trigger = Short-term event that initiates a hazard Vulnerability = Weaknesses in a system that make impact worse Susceptibility = Likelihood of something happening</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their corresponding explanations:

<p>Magnitude = Size or energy of an event Frequency = How often an event of a given magnitude happens Catastrophism = Large, rare events shape Earth Uniformitarianism = Gradual processes shape Earth over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following examples with the corresponding aspect of the 'Smart Hazard Approach':

<p>Earthquake-resistant building designs = Interdisciplinary Work Global cooperation for disaster response = Multi-National Effort Survivor accounts of the 1998 Quebec Ice Storm = Survivor &amp; Witness Accounts Studies on the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods = Scientific Analyses</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following natural disasters with their respective causes:

<p>2011 Japan Earthquake = Plate tectonics 2021 BC Rain &amp; Flooding = Climate change and atmospheric conditions 2024 Kerala Landslides = Heavy rainfall and terrain 2013 Southern Alberta Floods = Heavy rainfall and river overflow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their relevant impacts on natural hazards:

<p>Climate Change = More severe hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels Population growth = Increased vulnerability and pressure on resources Globalization = Interconnectedness and potential for spillover effects Plate tectonics = Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their relevant definitions:

<p>Anthropogenic = Worsened or caused by humans Correlation = Two events happen together Causation = One event directly causes another Systems Approach = Natural hazards are influenced by different energy sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following stages of disaster response with their corresponding focuses:

<p>Emergency Work = Immediate rescue and relief efforts Restoration = Rebuilding and recovery of infrastructure Reconstruction = Long-term rebuilding and rehabilitation Reactive Response Recovery = Addressing immediate needs and stabilizing situation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their relevant descriptions in the context of climate change and natural hazards:

<p>Milanković Cycles = Variations in Earth's orbit that influence climate Climate Forcing = Factors that alter the Earth's energy balance Ground Subsidence = Sinking of the ground due to various factors including climate change Thermokarst = Formation of sinkholes due to thawing permafrost</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Loss of Life & Property

Natural hazards lead to injuries, deaths, and destruction of property.

Economic Impact of Natural Hazards

Natural disasters can cause major financial losses that are often unpredictable.

Kerala Landslides

A disaster in India that killed over 200 people and buried many.

Category 4 Hurricane

Hurricane Helene caused 232 deaths and $22B in damages.

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Types of Natural Hazards in Canada

Includes atmospheric, seismic, geologic, hydrologic, volcanic, wildfire, and astronomic hazards.

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Annual Cost of Natural Disasters in Canada

Costs for natural disasters are rising; climate-related damages have doubled recently.

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DFAA

Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements covering fires, floods, and storms.

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Fort McMurray Wildfire (2016)

The most expensive Canadian disaster, causing $4B in damages.

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Flood Insurance Issues

Lack of flood insurance in high-risk areas leads to inequities in disaster recovery.

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Disaster Cost Trends

Climate-related disaster costs have doubled in the last decade in Canada.

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Natural Hazards

Potentially damaging natural events affecting communities.

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Smart Hazard Approach

A balanced and interdisciplinary strategy to manage hazards.

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Cause vs Trigger

Cause: long-term conditions; Trigger: short-term events initiating a hazard.

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Magnitude

Size or energy of a natural event, like earthquake strength.

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Frequency

How often an event of a certain magnitude occurs.

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Correlation vs Causation

Correlation: events happen together; Causation: one event directly impacts another.

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Risk

Probability of harm occurring from a hazard.

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Vulnerability vs Susceptibility

Vulnerability: system weaknesses; Susceptibility: likelihood of an event happening.

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Disaster vs Catastrophe

Disaster: localized damage; Catastrophe: large-scale, long-term impact.

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Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Involves multiple fields to understand and respond to hazards.

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Natural vs. Anthropogenic Hazards

Natural: Hazards without human influence (e.g., earthquakes). Anthropogenic: Hazards worsened by human activity (e.g., deforestation).

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Risk vs. Vulnerability

Risk: The chance of an event happening. Vulnerability: The weaknesses that increase harm.

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Magnitude vs. Frequency

Magnitude: Size or energy of an event. Frequency: How often an event of that size occurs.

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Catastrophism vs. Uniformitarianism

Catastrophism: Rare, large events shape the Earth. Uniformitarianism: Frequent, small events gradually shape the Earth.

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Reactive Response Recovery

The process of responding to and recovering from natural disasters in stages: emergency work, restoration, and reconstruction.

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Hazard vs. Risk

Hazard: The potential for harm. Risk: The probability of that harm occurring.

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Emergency Work

The initial stage of recovery, usually within 0-2 weeks, involving rescue operations and medical aid.

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Restoration

The stage following emergency work, focusing on repairing infrastructure and reopening businesses over months.

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Reconstruction

The long-term rebuilding phase after a disaster, often lasting years and improving resilience against hazards.

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Climate Forcing

Changes in climate that alter natural systems and heighten hazard risks, often requiring adaptation.

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Milanković Cycles

Three long-term orbital changes (eccentricity, obliquity, precession) that affect Earth's climate over thousands of years.

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Direct Measurement of Climate Change

Modern methods like temperature records and satellite data used for high accuracy in climate measurement.

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Proxy Methods

Indirect methods using biological, chemical, and physical indicators to infer past climate changes.

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Hazards Affected by Climate Change

Natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires are intensified due to warming temperatures.

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Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

Flooding events caused by the failure of a dam formed by glacial meltwater.

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Super Typhoon Yagi

A disaster from Aug 31 to Sept 9, causing 844 deaths and $16.9B in damages.

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Economic Impact

Natural disasters can lead to significant, often unpredictable financial losses.

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Hydrologic Hazards

Natural hazards related to water, including floods, droughts, and storm surges.

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Climate Change Effects

Increased storms, wildfires, and floods caused by climate change.

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Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)

Supports recovery from natural disasters like fires and floods.

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Fort McMurray Wildfire Cost

In 2016, this wildfire caused $4 billion in damages in Canada.

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Severe Weather Costs

Total of $1.3B in insured damages reported in 2019-20 in Canada.

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Colombia Drought Impact

Droughts impacted hydroelectricity, leading to increased fossil fuel use.

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Recent Canadian Disaster Trends

Climate-related disaster costs have doubled in the last decade in Canada.

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Human Impact of Disasters

Disasters lead to injuries, deaths, and community displacement.

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Economic Loss from Disasters

Destruction results in billions in damages to infrastructure and businesses.

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Interdisciplinary Hazard Approach

Involves experts from multiple fields to understand and mitigate hazards.

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Global Disaster Cooperation

International efforts are necessary for disaster response due to broad impacts.

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Case Studies in Hazards

Detailed analyses help understand patterns and improve disaster policies.

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Magnitude-Frequency Relation

Small events occur often, while large events are less frequent but cause more damage.

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Risk vs Impact

Risk is the chance of an event; impact is the actual consequences experienced.

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Vulnerability

Weaknesses in a system that can worsen the impact of hazards.

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Stages of Recovery

The phases after a disaster: Emergency Work, Restoration, and Reconstruction.

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Direct Measurement

Modern methods, like temperature records and satellite data, used for accurate climate change measurement.

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Risk vs Uncertainty

Risk: Known probabilities of an event; Uncertainty: Unknown probabilities.

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Cause

The long-term buildup of conditions that create a hazard.

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Trigger

A short-term event that initiates a hazard.

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Correlation

Two events happening together but not necessarily related.

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Causation

One event directly causes another.

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Anthropogenic Hazards

Hazards worsened or caused by human activity.

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Disaster

A serious event causing injury, death, or property damage.

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Catastrophe

A larger-scale disaster with long-term consequences.

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Human Impact of Natural Disasters

Disasters cause injuries, deaths, and displacement of communities.

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Survivor Accounts Importance

Real experiences help understand the human impact of disasters.

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Seismic Hazards Examples

Includes earthquakes, tsunamis, fault ruptures, and liquefaction.

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Climate Change and Hazards

Climate change increases the severity of natural hazards.

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Climate Forcing Evidence

Indicators that link rapid climate change to increased hazard risks.

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Eccentricity

A 100,000-year cycle that affects the shape of Earth's orbit.

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Obliquity

A 41,000-year cycle that describes the tilt of Earth's axis.

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Precession

A 22,000-26,000 year cycle involving the wobble of Earth's axis.

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Direct Measurement Advantages

Using modern methods provides high accuracy in climate measurement.

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Proxy Methods Disadvantages

Indirect climate measurement methods that have limitations in accuracy.

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Hazards from Temperature Rise

Natural hazards like wildfires and floods intensify due to warming.

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Adaptive Strategies

Approaches to adjust to climate-induced changes and hazard risks.

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Climate Change Proxies

Biological, chemical, and physical indicators used to infer past climates.

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Japan Earthquake 2024

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake causing 504 deaths and massive structural damage.

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Hurricane Helene

A Category 4 hurricane in 2024 causing 232 deaths and $22B in damages.

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Climate Change Impact

Increases frequency and intensity of storms, wildfires, and floods.

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DFAA Issues

Problems with disaster financial assistance, including delays and lack of flood insurance.

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Costliest Canadian Disaster

Fort McMurray Wildfire in 2016, causing $4B in damages.

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Recent Disaster Costs Trend

Climate-related disaster costs in Canada have doubled over the last decade.

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Economic Impact of Droughts

Colombia's droughts led to reliance on fossil fuels due to hydroelectricity issues.

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Study Notes

Natural Hazard Study Notes

  • Why Study Natural Hazards?
    • Loss of life and property is a significant concern, with hazards leading to injuries, death, and widespread destruction.
    • Economic impacts include major financial losses, often unpredictable, which can severely impact long-term recovery.
    • Understanding causes and preventative measures helps mitigate risks and improve disaster responses. This includes preparing for and reacting to various health issues that arise from disasters, such as respiratory problems from smoke or waterborne diseases in flooded areas.
    • Human impact: Disasters cause injuries, deaths, and displacement of communities.
    • Health issues: Exposure to hazards can lead to long-term health effects (e.g., respiratory issues from wildfire smoke, waterborne diseases after floods)

2024 Disasters Summary

  • Kerala Landslides: Over 200 fatalities in India, many buried.
  • Japan Earthquake: January 1st, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake resulted in 504 deaths and 178,270 damaged structures.
  • Hurricane Helene: September 26th, a Category 4 hurricane impacted Florida, Cuba, and Mexico, causing 232 deaths and $22 billion in damages.
  • Hurricane Milton: October 5th-13th, a Category 3 hurricane had 32 fatalities in the US and 3 in Mexico—Increased hurricane strength.
  • Super Typhoon Yagi: August 31st-September 9th, caused 844 deaths and $16.9 billion in damage; impacted multiple countries (global impact)
  • Colombia Drought: Disrupted hydroelectricity, compelling the use of fossil fuels.
  • India Heat Wave: The first nine months saw 3,200 deaths due to extreme heat, highlighting the health risks of extreme temperatures.
  • Chile Wildfires: February wildfires resulted in over 130 deaths.
  • Brazil Floods: April floods resulted in over 180 deaths and 500,000 people displaced.
  • Economic loss: Destruction of infrastructure, homes, and businesses results in billions in damages (e.g., Fort McMurray wildfire cost $4B).
  • Long-term recovery: Communities affected by disasters often take years or even decades to rebuild.

Natural Hazards in Canada

  • Atmospheric: Hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, ice storms, freezing rain
  • Seismic: Earthquakes, tsunamis, liquefaction, fault ruptures
  • Geologic: Landslides, avalanches, rockfalls, sinkholes, expanding soils
  • Hydrologic: Floods, storm surges, drought
  • Volcanic: Ash, gases, lava flows, acid rain
  • Wildfire: Forest, brush, and grass fires.
  • Astronomic: Meteor impacts
  • Climate Change: Worsens storms, increases wildfires and floods, impacting other hazards like avalanches and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Increased frequency and intensity of hazards due to climate change.

Annual Cost of Canadian Disasters

  • Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA): Spending from $310M (2018-19) to $495M (2017-18) and $486M (2016-17)
  • Severe weather costs: $1.3B in insured damages (2019-20)
  • Trend: Climate-related disaster costs have doubled in the past decade, highlighting the growing economic impact of these events.

Most Expensive Canadian Disasters

  • Fort McMurray Wildfire (2016): $4.0B
  • Eastern Ice Storm (1998): $2.3B
  • Southern Alberta Floods (2013): $1.8B
  • Alberta Hailstorm (2020): $1.2B
  • Toronto Flood (2013): $1.0B
  • ON-QC Thunderstorm (2022): $0.875B
  • Toronto Flood (2005): $0.78B
  • ON Windstorm (2018): $0.695B
  • BC Flood (2021): $0.675B
  • Hurricane Fiona (2022): $0.66B
  • 2020 Calgary Hailstorm: $1.2B
  • 2022 ON-QC Thunderstorm: $0.875B damage.
  • 2022 Hurricane Fiona: $0.66B damage.

Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)

  • Coverage: Covers fires, floods, and storms
  • 2015 Changes: Disaster financial assistance thresholds were tripled, but disasters continue to increase in frequency and severity.
  • Challenges:
    • Lack of comprehensive economic impact studies of Canadian disasters.
    • Inadequate flood insurance requirements in high-risk areas.
    • Inequitable fund distribution (horizontal and vertical equity concerns).
    • Delays in payments disproportionately affect lower-income communities.

Terminology in Natural Hazards

  • Cause vs. Trigger: Cause = underlying conditions, Trigger = initiating event (e.g., heavy rain causing landslides)
  • **Correlation vs. Causation:**Correlation doesn't equal causation (e.g., more wildfires and higher temperatures are correlated, but climate change is a causative factor)
  • Natural vs. Anthropogenic: Natural hazards occur without human influence; anthropogenic hazards are exacerbated by human activity (e.g., deforestation increasing risks of landslides)
  • Hazard vs. Risk: Hazard = potential for harm, Risk = probability of harm occurring.
  • Risk vs. Uncertainty: Risk = known probabilities, Uncertainty = unknown probabilities.
  • Risk vs. Impact: Risk = chance of an event, Impact = consequences if it occurs.
  • Risk vs. Vulnerability: Risk = potential event, Vulnerability = weakness increasing harm.
  • Vulnerability vs. Susceptibility: Vulnerability = weakness in a system, Susceptibility = likelihood of harm occurring.
  • Disaster vs. Catastrophe: Disaster = serious event causing damage or injury; Catastrophe = larger-scale event with long-term consequences.

Magnitude and Frequency

  • Magnitude: The size or energy of an event (e.g., earthquake magnitude, storm strength, hail size); smaller events occur more often, larger events less frequently but cause more damage
  • Frequency: How often an event of a certain magnitude occurs. Use the magnitude-frequency relationship to assess risk and prioritize disaster preparedness

Catastrophism vs. Uniformitarianism

  • Catastrophism: Large, rare events shape the Earth.
  • Uniformitarianism: Small, frequent events gradually shape the Earth.
  • Modern understanding: Both processes play a role; major events cause sudden changes, and ongoing processes gradually shape landscapes.

Reactive Response Recovery

  • Stages: Emergency, Restoration, Reconstruction.
  • Purpose: Governments use this as a planning process to allocate resources for disaster recovery and for improved future preparedness, based on analysis of past events.

Types of Natural Disasters

  • Atmospheric: Hailstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, freezing rain, winter storms.
  • Seismic: Earthquakes, tsunamis, fault ruptures, liquefaction
  • Geologic: Landslides, avalanches, sinkholes, rockfalls, expanding soils
  • Hydrologic: Floods, droughts, storm surges, desertification
  • Volcanic: Lava flows, ash, pyroclastic flows, acid rain
  • Wildfire: Brush fires, forest fires, grass fires
  • Astronomic: Meteor impacts, asteroid impacts
  • Climate Change-Related: Increased hurricane strength, more frequent wildfires, droughts and heat waves, rising sea levels, altered avalanche patterns, GLOFs, and ground subsidence (karst). Increased severity and frequency due to climate change.
  • Specific examples and subcategories of natural hazards are detailed earlier.

Studying Natural Hazards and the Smart Hazard Approach

  • Crucial Factors: Saves lives, reduces economic losses, and improves disaster preparedness.
  • Smart Hazard Approach: A balanced, multifaceted approach that considers interdisciplinary and multinational perspectives. It involves the global effort to mitigate impact.
  • Importance of Examples: Provides survivor accounts, scientific analyses, and use case studies for lessons learned to improve disaster response.
    • Survivor and witness accounts give realistic insights into disaster experiences; they aid in better understanding the human impact beyond statistics.
    • Scientific analyses provide verifiable, data-driven insights; this aids in predicting future hazards and forming risk mitigation strategies.
    • Case studies show specific patterns and trends in disasters; this allows for comparing different events for better disaster responses.

Climate Forcing of Hazards

  • Climate Forcing: Changes in climate alter natural systems and increase risks.
  • Concerns: Periods of rapid climate change create dangerous conditions, and environmental shifts affect Earth, needing to link climate forcing and hazards.
  • Earth’s Internal Heat: Drives plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
  • Solar Power: Powers storms, ocean circulation, and climate.
  • Gravity: Causes landslides, avalanches, and mass movements.

Measuring Climate Change

  • Methods: Direct (modern) and indirect (proxy) methods.
    • Include biological, chemical, and physical proxies for historical data, allowing longer-term trend assessment.

Hazards Affected by Climate Change

  • The impacts of climate change on various natural hazards are evident—increased frequency and severity of events are detailed elsewhere for various hazards including avalanches, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, forest fires, GLOFs, ground subsidence, hurricanes/tornadoes and landslides (detail as needed).

Potential Natural Hazards and Their Groups

  • Specific examples and subcategories of natural hazards are detailed earlier

Key Terms and Distinctions

  • Specific terms related to natural hazards and their meanings are detailed earlier.
  • Understand key terms like hazard vs. risk, correlation vs. causation, and vulnerability vs. susceptibility
  • Understanding the importance of interdisciplinary work allows use of a smart hazard approach and considers the interconnectedness of multiple factors

Climate Change: Milankovitch Cycles

  • Orbital variations: Eccentricity (orbit shape), obliquity (axial tilt), and precession (wobble) drive long-term climate changes.

Climate Change: Measuring Change

  • Direct (Modern): Temperature records, satellite data (high accuracy, short time)
  • Indirect (Proxy): Biological, chemical, physical proxies for historical data spanning longer periods.

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