S2 Geography 23/24: Natural Hazards

Areas where earthquakes are frequently located and likely to occur, often correlating with plate boundaries.

A measure of the earthquake's size and energy released.

The distance beneath the earth's surface where the earthquake originates.

Actions to take during an earthquake to reduce risks.

Methods of planning urban development to lessen earthquake damage.

An area with high probability of experiencing a natural hazard (earthquakes, etc.).

Factors behind why people choose to live in risky locations despite dangers.

The layer of the Earth below the crust, made of semi-molten magma and solid rock.

The innermost layer of the Earth, made up of a solid inner core and a liquid outer core.

Protecting slopes from landslides and other hazards, ensuring stability and minimizing risks to people and infrastructure.

The outermost layer of the Earth, what we walk on, made of solid rock.

Actions taken to reduce the likelihood of slope failures, including slope maintenance, drainage, and land use planning.

Circular movements of molten rock in the mantle, caused by differences in temperature and density.

Land use planning helps to minimize development on unstable slopes and promotes safe land use practices, reducing the risk of landslides.

The area where two tectonic plates meet, where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.

Warning systems alert people to potential slope hazards, providing time to evacuate and minimize casualties.

A scientific instrument used to detect and record seismic waves, which are vibrations caused by earthquakes.

Educating the public about slope hazards and safety measures helps people understand risks and take necessary precautions.

A numerical scale used to measure the strength or magnitude of an earthquake.

Smaller earthquakes that follow a major earthquake and occur in the same area.

A design feature in buildings that helps them withstand the shaking of the ground during an earthquake.

The consequences of a landslide, including damage to buildings, roads, and potential casualties.

Factors that contribute to landslides, such as heavy rainfall, steep slopes, and human activities.

Measures to stabilize and strengthen slopes after landslide events, such as building retaining walls or planting vegetation.

Actions taken before landslides occur to minimize their risk, including land use planning, warning systems, and proper drainage.

Physical structures built to reinforce slopes and prevent landslides, such as retaining walls, soil nails, and surface channels.

A system used to predict and warn people about potential landslides, often utilizing sensors and monitoring.

Strategic planning for land use to minimize landslide risks, considering factors like slope stability and building regulations.

Emergency actions taken to address the immediate consequences of a landslide, such as evacuating people and providing medical aid.

The economic damage caused by landslides to buildings, infrastructure, and personal belongings.

The ability of a slope to remain stable and avoid landslides, influenced by factors like rainfall, soil type, and human activity.

Areas of land that are naturally flat and low-lying, commonly found in valleys or along coastlines. In Hong Kong, examples include the Yuen Long Plain and the Sheung Shui-Fanling Plain.

Low-lying areas of land created by human activities such as land reclamation in coastal areas, resulting in flat terrain suitable for development.

The process of a mass of rock or soil sliding down a slope mainly due to gravity, often triggered by factors like heavy rainfall or weakened soil cohesion.

Human activities can worsen landslides by building roads and houses on slopes without proper maintenance or poor design in slope construction.

A type of protective structure that allows movement and flexibility, often used to absorb impact and reduce damage from falling debris.

A type of protective structure that is fixed and unyielding, providing strong resistance against forces like landslides or rockfalls.

A makeshift dwelling built without legal permission, often found in informal settlements or areas where housing is scarce.

The process of identifying, evaluating, and managing potential risks from natural hazards to reduce their impact.

A signal or alert system used to inform people about the immediate danger of a landslide occurrence.