Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a primary reason for studying natural hazards?
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?
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 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?
Based on the information provided, which of the following statements most accurately reflects the trend in Canada's annual expenses due to natural disasters?
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?
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?
Which of the following is a significant issue discussed in the text regarding the DFAA system and its effectiveness?
Which of the following is a significant issue discussed in the text regarding the DFAA system and its effectiveness?
Which of these natural disasters in Canada resulted in the highest financial costs, according to the text provided?
Which of these natural disasters in Canada resulted in the highest financial costs, according to the text provided?
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?
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?
In the context of natural hazards, which of the following aspects contributes significantly to the financial losses associated with disasters?
In the context of natural hazards, which of the following aspects contributes significantly to the financial losses associated with disasters?
Which category of natural disasters in Canada contributes the most to insured damages?
Which category of natural disasters in Canada contributes the most to insured damages?
Which of the following events could be considered both a natural and an anthropogenic hazard?
Which of the following events could be considered both a natural and an anthropogenic hazard?
Based on the provided information, which of the following accurately reflects the relationship between magnitude and frequency of an event?
Based on the provided information, which of the following accurately reflects the relationship between magnitude and frequency of an event?
According to the provided content, what is the primary difference between 'risk' and 'vulnerability' in the context of natural disasters?
According to the provided content, what is the primary difference between 'risk' and 'vulnerability' in the context of natural disasters?
Which of these is an example of an anthropogenic factor contributing to increased wildfire risk?
Which of these is an example of an anthropogenic factor contributing to increased wildfire risk?
The equation M=Fe^-x, representing the relationship between magnitude and frequency is significant because it enables us to do which of the following?
The equation M=Fe^-x, representing the relationship between magnitude and frequency is significant because it enables us to do which of the following?
Which of these events is NOT an example of a catastrophe, according to the provided text?
Which of these events is NOT an example of a catastrophe, according to the provided text?
What is the primary goal of 'reactive response recovery' in the context of natural disasters?
What is the primary goal of 'reactive response recovery' in the context of natural disasters?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the uniformitarianism concept?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the uniformitarianism concept?
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?
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?
Which of these exemplifies the difference between susceptibility and vulnerability?
Which of these exemplifies the difference between susceptibility and vulnerability?
What is the primary focus of the emergency work stage following a disaster?
What is the primary focus of the emergency work stage following a disaster?
How do the Milanković cycles contribute to understanding climate change?
How do the Milanković cycles contribute to understanding climate change?
Which method provides the highest accuracy for measuring climate change?
Which method provides the highest accuracy for measuring climate change?
Which statement best describes climate forcing?
Which statement best describes climate forcing?
What are ground subsidence and thermokarst primarily influenced by?
What are ground subsidence and thermokarst primarily influenced by?
Which combination of hazards is NOT typically affected by climate change?
Which combination of hazards is NOT typically affected by climate change?
What is a significant disadvantage of indirect methods of measuring climate change?
What is a significant disadvantage of indirect methods of measuring climate change?
The restoration stage following a disaster typically focuses on which of the following?
The restoration stage following a disaster typically focuses on which of the following?
Which statement about climate change and its impacts on natural hazards is accurate?
Which statement about climate change and its impacts on natural hazards is accurate?
Which of the following is NOT a proxy method for measuring climate change?
Which of the following is NOT a proxy method for measuring climate change?
A community heavily reliant on a single, vulnerable infrastructure system for transportation, energy, and communication is considered high in which aspect?
A community heavily reliant on a single, vulnerable infrastructure system for transportation, energy, and communication is considered high in which aspect?
Which of the following is NOT a crucial factor in mitigating potential damages from natural hazards?
Which of the following is NOT a crucial factor in mitigating potential damages from natural hazards?
Which of the following best exemplifies the concept of 'interdisciplinary work' in a 'Smart Hazard Approach'?
Which of the following best exemplifies the concept of 'interdisciplinary work' in a 'Smart Hazard Approach'?
Why is the "Smart Hazard Approach" crucial for addressing global natural disasters?
Why is the "Smart Hazard Approach" crucial for addressing global natural disasters?
What is the key distinction between a natural hazard and a natural disaster?
What is the key distinction between a natural hazard and a natural disaster?
What is the relationship between magnitude and frequency of natural events as described in the text?
What is the relationship between magnitude and frequency of natural events as described in the text?
In the context of natural disasters, what is the difference between a 'trigger' and a 'cause'?
In the context of natural disasters, what is the difference between a 'trigger' and a 'cause'?
Which of the following examples best illustrates the concept of 'linkages between hazards'?
Which of the following examples best illustrates the concept of 'linkages between hazards'?
Why is studying natural hazards essential for saving lives and reducing economic losses?
Why is studying natural hazards essential for saving lives and reducing economic losses?
Which of the following sources of energy does NOT contribute to natural hazards as described in the text?
Which of the following sources of energy does NOT contribute to natural hazards as described in the text?
Which of the following is NOT a method used to directly measure climate change?
Which of the following is NOT a method used to directly measure climate change?
Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between Milanković Cycles and climate forcing?
Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between Milanković Cycles and climate forcing?
Which of the following hazards is LEAST likely to be influenced by climate change?
Which of the following hazards is LEAST likely to be influenced by climate change?
Which of the following statements about the relationship between climate forcing and natural hazards is correct?
Which of the following statements about the relationship between climate forcing and natural hazards is correct?
Why is it crucial to establish a clear link between climate forcing and hazards?
Why is it crucial to establish a clear link between climate forcing and hazards?
Which of the following accurately describes a key limitation of proxy methods for measuring climate change?
Which of the following accurately describes a key limitation of proxy methods for measuring climate change?
Which of the following scenarios exemplifies how climate change directly affects the occurrence of natural hazards?
Which of the following scenarios exemplifies how climate change directly affects the occurrence of natural hazards?
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'ground subsidence' as influenced by climate change?
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'ground subsidence' as influenced by climate change?
Which of the following is NOT considered a factor in shaping the Earth's orbital variations, as described in the Milanković Cycles?
Which of the following is NOT considered a factor in shaping the Earth's orbital variations, as described in the Milanković Cycles?
Which of the following best describes the role of the 'Reconstruction' stage in disaster recovery?
Which of the following best describes the role of the 'Reconstruction' stage in disaster recovery?
What was the financial impact of the Hurricane Helene disaster in 2024?
What was the financial impact of the Hurricane Helene disaster in 2024?
Which significant natural disaster in 2024 resulted in the largest number of displaced individuals?
Which significant natural disaster in 2024 resulted in the largest number of displaced individuals?
In Canada, which category of natural hazard involves the potential for destructive geological events?
In Canada, which category of natural hazard involves the potential for destructive geological events?
Which of the following is a pressing issue concerning the DFAA system's function in natural disaster management?
Which of the following is a pressing issue concerning the DFAA system's function in natural disaster management?
What was the total spending reported for disaster financial assistance arrangements (DFAA) in Canada for the year 2018-19?
What was the total spending reported for disaster financial assistance arrangements (DFAA) in Canada for the year 2018-19?
Which of the following natural disasters was classified as the most expensive in Canadian history?
Which of the following natural disasters was classified as the most expensive in Canadian history?
What economic trend pertaining to climate-related disaster costs has been observed in Canada over the past decade?
What economic trend pertaining to climate-related disaster costs has been observed in Canada over the past decade?
Which category of natural hazards contributes primarily to financial losses due to severe weather events?
Which category of natural hazards contributes primarily to financial losses due to severe weather events?
Which natural disaster was connected with extreme temperatures, contributing to a high death toll in India?
Which natural disaster was connected with extreme temperatures, contributing to a high death toll in India?
What is the main reason why interdisciplinary work is critical in a Smart Hazard Approach?
What is the main reason why interdisciplinary work is critical in a Smart Hazard Approach?
Which of the following examples illustrates a significant economic impact of a natural disaster?
Which of the following examples illustrates a significant economic impact of a natural disaster?
What is the primary distinction between a disaster and a catastrophe?
What is the primary distinction between a disaster and a catastrophe?
Which term describes an event that occurs without any human influence?
Which term describes an event that occurs without any human influence?
How does the equation $M = Fe^{-x}$ represent the relationship between magnitude and frequency?
How does the equation $M = Fe^{-x}$ represent the relationship between magnitude and frequency?
In what way does climate change impact natural hazards?
In what way does climate change impact natural hazards?
Which source of energy is NOT listed as influencing natural hazards?
Which source of energy is NOT listed as influencing natural hazards?
What is the significance of survivor and witness accounts following natural disasters?
What is the significance of survivor and witness accounts following natural disasters?
What does the term 'vulnerability' refer to in the context of natural disasters?
What does the term 'vulnerability' refer to in the context of natural disasters?
Which concept relates to the idea that past patterns can help predict future hazards?
Which concept relates to the idea that past patterns can help predict future hazards?
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the concept of 'vulnerability', as defined in the text?
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the concept of 'vulnerability', as defined in the text?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between 'catastrophism' and 'uniformitarianism' in shaping the Earth?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between 'catastrophism' and 'uniformitarianism' in shaping the Earth?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Which natural disaster category is primarily associated with the 'trigger' of a volcanic eruption?
Which natural disaster category is primarily associated with the 'trigger' of a volcanic eruption?
Based on the text's definition of 'risk' and 'uncertainty', which statement about Hurricane Fiona (2022) is most accurate?
Based on the text's definition of 'risk' and 'uncertainty', which statement about Hurricane Fiona (2022) is most accurate?
The text differentiates between 'vulnerability' and 'susceptibility' in the context of natural hazards. Which scenario best exemplifies the difference?
The text differentiates between 'vulnerability' and 'susceptibility' in the context of natural hazards. Which scenario best exemplifies the difference?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the primary goal of 'reactive response recovery' in the context of disaster management?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the primary goal of 'reactive response recovery' in the context of disaster management?
Which of these events is an example of an 'anthropogenic hazard,' as defined in the text, contributing to a 'natural hazard'?
Which of these events is an example of an 'anthropogenic hazard,' as defined in the text, contributing to a 'natural hazard'?
The text mentions that both natural and anthropogenic hazards contribute to climate change. Which of the following examples DOES NOT accurately reflect this?
The text mentions that both natural and anthropogenic hazards contribute to climate change. Which of the following examples DOES NOT accurately reflect this?
Match the following 2024 disasters with their estimated costs in billions of dollars based on the provided information.
Match the following 2024 disasters with their estimated costs in billions of dollars based on the provided information.
Match the following natural hazard categories in Canada with their corresponding examples from the provided information.
Match the following natural hazard categories in Canada with their corresponding examples from the provided information.
Match the following Canadian natural disasters with their estimated costs in billions of dollars based on the provided information.
Match the following Canadian natural disasters with their estimated costs in billions of dollars based on the provided information.
Match the following aspects of the DFAA system with their corresponding issues as discussed in the provided information.
Match the following aspects of the DFAA system with their corresponding issues as discussed in the provided information.
Match the following 2024 disasters with their approximate number of fatalities based on the provided information.
Match the following 2024 disasters with their approximate number of fatalities based on the provided information.
Match the following concepts related to natural disasters with their corresponding descriptions.
Match the following concepts related to natural disasters with their corresponding descriptions.
Match the following events from the provided text with the corresponding stages of disaster management.
Match the following events from the provided text with the corresponding stages of disaster management.
Match the following categories of natural hazards with their corresponding primary drivers or influences.
Match the following categories of natural hazards with their corresponding primary drivers or influences.
Match the following methods of measuring climate change with their corresponding categories.
Match the following methods of measuring climate change with their corresponding categories.
Match the following aspects of the DFAA system with their corresponding concerns and challenges.
Match the following aspects of the DFAA system with their corresponding concerns and challenges.
Match the following natural hazard terms with their corresponding definitions.
Match the following natural hazard terms with their corresponding definitions.
Match the following natural hazard types with their respective examples.
Match the following natural hazard types with their respective examples.
Match the following stages of disaster recovery with their primary focus.
Match the following stages of disaster recovery with their primary focus.
Match the following concepts related to natural hazards with their respective descriptions.
Match the following concepts related to natural hazards with their respective descriptions.
Match the following natural disaster terms with their definitions.
Match the following natural disaster terms with their definitions.
Match the following concepts related to Earth's formation with their definitions.
Match the following concepts related to Earth's formation with their definitions.
Match the following natural hazard categories with their potential influence from climate change.
Match the following natural hazard categories with their potential influence from climate change.
Match the following methods of measuring climate change with their descriptions.
Match the following methods of measuring climate change with their descriptions.
Match the following concepts related to climate change impacts with their definitions.
Match the following concepts related to climate change impacts with their definitions.
Match the following statements with their corresponding explanations related to natural hazards and climate change.
Match the following statements with their corresponding explanations related to natural hazards and climate change.
Match each stage of disaster recovery with its typical timeframe:
Match each stage of disaster recovery with its typical timeframe:
Match each climate forcing factor with its corresponding time scale:
Match each climate forcing factor with its corresponding time scale:
Match each method of measuring climate change with its primary advantage:
Match each method of measuring climate change with its primary advantage:
Match each natural hazard with its primary cause related to climate change:
Match each natural hazard with its primary cause related to climate change:
Match each proxy method with its corresponding source:
Match each proxy method with its corresponding source:
Match each hazard with its primary impact due to climate change:
Match each hazard with its primary impact due to climate change:
Match each climate change-related process with its description:
Match each climate change-related process with its description:
Match each natural disaster stage with its primary focus:
Match each natural disaster stage with its primary focus:
Match each Milanković Cycle with its description:
Match each Milanković Cycle with its description:
Match each climate change impact with its corresponding hazard:
Match each climate change impact with its corresponding hazard:
Match the following hazard types with their corresponding category:
Match the following hazard types with their corresponding category:
Match the following concepts with their relevant definitions:
Match the following concepts with their relevant definitions:
Match the following terms with their corresponding explanations:
Match the following terms with their corresponding explanations:
Match the following examples with the corresponding aspect of the 'Smart Hazard Approach':
Match the following examples with the corresponding aspect of the 'Smart Hazard Approach':
Match the following natural disasters with their respective causes:
Match the following natural disasters with their respective causes:
Match the following terms with their relevant impacts on natural hazards:
Match the following terms with their relevant impacts on natural hazards:
Match the following terms with their relevant definitions:
Match the following terms with their relevant definitions:
Match the following stages of disaster response with their corresponding focuses:
Match the following stages of disaster response with their corresponding focuses:
Match the following terms with their relevant descriptions in the context of climate change and natural hazards:
Match the following terms with their relevant descriptions in the context of climate change and natural hazards:
Flashcards
Loss of Life & Property
Loss of Life & Property
Natural hazards lead to injuries, deaths, and destruction of property.
Economic Impact of Natural Hazards
Economic Impact of Natural Hazards
Natural disasters can cause major financial losses that are often unpredictable.
Kerala Landslides
Kerala Landslides
A disaster in India that killed over 200 people and buried many.
Category 4 Hurricane
Category 4 Hurricane
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Types of Natural Hazards in Canada
Types of Natural Hazards in Canada
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Annual Cost of Natural Disasters in Canada
Annual Cost of Natural Disasters in Canada
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DFAA
DFAA
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Fort McMurray Wildfire (2016)
Fort McMurray Wildfire (2016)
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Flood Insurance Issues
Flood Insurance Issues
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Disaster Cost Trends
Disaster Cost Trends
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Natural Hazards
Natural Hazards
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Smart Hazard Approach
Smart Hazard Approach
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Cause vs Trigger
Cause vs Trigger
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Magnitude
Magnitude
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Frequency
Frequency
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Correlation vs Causation
Correlation vs Causation
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Risk
Risk
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Vulnerability vs Susceptibility
Vulnerability vs Susceptibility
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Disaster vs Catastrophe
Disaster vs Catastrophe
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
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Natural vs. Anthropogenic Hazards
Natural vs. Anthropogenic Hazards
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Risk vs. Vulnerability
Risk vs. Vulnerability
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Magnitude vs. Frequency
Magnitude vs. Frequency
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Catastrophism vs. Uniformitarianism
Catastrophism vs. Uniformitarianism
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Reactive Response Recovery
Reactive Response Recovery
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Hazard vs. Risk
Hazard vs. Risk
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Emergency Work
Emergency Work
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Restoration
Restoration
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Reconstruction
Reconstruction
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Climate Forcing
Climate Forcing
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Milanković Cycles
Milanković Cycles
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Direct Measurement of Climate Change
Direct Measurement of Climate Change
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Proxy Methods
Proxy Methods
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Hazards Affected by Climate Change
Hazards Affected by Climate Change
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Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
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Super Typhoon Yagi
Super Typhoon Yagi
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Economic Impact
Economic Impact
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Hydrologic Hazards
Hydrologic Hazards
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Climate Change Effects
Climate Change Effects
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Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)
Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)
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Fort McMurray Wildfire Cost
Fort McMurray Wildfire Cost
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Severe Weather Costs
Severe Weather Costs
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Colombia Drought Impact
Colombia Drought Impact
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Recent Canadian Disaster Trends
Recent Canadian Disaster Trends
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Human Impact of Disasters
Human Impact of Disasters
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Economic Loss from Disasters
Economic Loss from Disasters
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Interdisciplinary Hazard Approach
Interdisciplinary Hazard Approach
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Global Disaster Cooperation
Global Disaster Cooperation
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Case Studies in Hazards
Case Studies in Hazards
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Magnitude-Frequency Relation
Magnitude-Frequency Relation
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Risk vs Impact
Risk vs Impact
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Vulnerability
Vulnerability
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Stages of Recovery
Stages of Recovery
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Direct Measurement
Direct Measurement
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Risk vs Uncertainty
Risk vs Uncertainty
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Cause
Cause
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Trigger
Trigger
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Correlation
Correlation
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Causation
Causation
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Anthropogenic Hazards
Anthropogenic Hazards
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Disaster
Disaster
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Catastrophe
Catastrophe
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Human Impact of Natural Disasters
Human Impact of Natural Disasters
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Survivor Accounts Importance
Survivor Accounts Importance
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Seismic Hazards Examples
Seismic Hazards Examples
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Climate Change and Hazards
Climate Change and Hazards
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Climate Forcing Evidence
Climate Forcing Evidence
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Eccentricity
Eccentricity
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Obliquity
Obliquity
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Precession
Precession
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Direct Measurement Advantages
Direct Measurement Advantages
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Proxy Methods Disadvantages
Proxy Methods Disadvantages
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Hazards from Temperature Rise
Hazards from Temperature Rise
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Adaptive Strategies
Adaptive Strategies
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Climate Change Proxies
Climate Change Proxies
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Japan Earthquake 2024
Japan Earthquake 2024
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Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene
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Climate Change Impact
Climate Change Impact
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DFAA Issues
DFAA Issues
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Costliest Canadian Disaster
Costliest Canadian Disaster
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Recent Disaster Costs Trend
Recent Disaster Costs Trend
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Economic Impact of Droughts
Economic Impact of Droughts
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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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