Natural Hazards Overview

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Questions and Answers

A natural hazard is solely determined by the severity of the event, regardless of its impact on humans.

False (B)

Which of the following is NOT considered a natural hazard?

Nuclear meltdown (correct)
Earthquake
Volcano
Tsunami

Give an example of how wealth affects the ability of a country to cope with a natural hazard.

A wealthier country might have better infrastructure, like stronger buildings, which can withstand earthquakes. They may also have more resources for emergency response and rebuilding.

Areas with high ______ are more vulnerable to the severe impacts of natural hazards.

<p>population density</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following natural hazards with their descriptions:

<p>Earthquake = Sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates Volcano = An opening in the Earth's crust that releases hot magma, ash, and gases Tsunami = A giant wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption Tropical Storm = A rotating storm system with strong winds and heavy rainfall Drought = A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall Flash Flood = A sudden, rapid rise in water levels due to heavy rain or snowmelt Mudslide = A mass of mud and debris that flows down a slope Avalanche = A rapid flow of snow down a mountain slope Sinkhole = A depression in the ground caused by the collapse of underlying rock or soil Blizzard = A severe winter storm with heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility Forest Fire = An uncontrolled fire that burns through a forested area Supervolcano = A volcano that can produce massive eruptions capable of causing global climate change</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Natural Hazard

An occurrence harmful to humans caused by physical environmental forces.

Types of Natural Hazards

Common examples include earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and storms.

Wealth and Natural Hazards

A country's wealth influences its preparedness for hazards.

Population Density

High population density areas are more severely impacted by hazards.

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Geographical Location

Location affects the risk posed by natural hazards, like being near a volcano.

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Study Notes

Natural Hazards Definition

A natural hazard is a force in the physical environment that creates harm to humans.
Examples include earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, tropical storms, droughts, wildfires, tornadoes, and floods.

Factors Affecting Natural Hazard Risk

Wealth: A country's wealth affects how well it prepares for and copes with hazards.
Population Density: Areas with high population densities are more vulnerable to hazards.
Geographical Location: The location of a place (e.g., proximity to a volcano) influences hazard risks.