Questions and Answers
Which category does an earthquake fall under?
What is the primary impact of locust swarms?
Which of the following is considered a hydrometeorological hazard?
What are mycotoxins associated with?
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What effect can volcanic eruptions have on the environment?
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Which type of hazard is characterized by extreme winds and heavy rainfall?
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What is an example of a man-made hazard?
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The process by which pathogens cause disease severity is known as what?
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Study Notes
Hazard Overview
- A hazard is a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity, or condition that can lead to casualties, health impacts, property damage, and social or environmental disruption.
- Hazards are categorized into natural and man-made (or technological).
Types of Hazards
Natural Hazards
- Natural hazards arise from environmental processes and include occurrences like earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and floods.
Man-made (Technological) Hazards
- Result from human activities, including accidental chemical spills, transportation accidents, pollution, and terrorism.
Natural Hazards Exploration
A. Biological Hazards
- Pathogens are organisms that cause disease; severity is referred to as virulence, which affects transmission among hosts (e.g., viruses and bacteria).
- Fungi, specifically molds, can produce mycotoxins that pose health risks through inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion.
- Locust swarms can cause widespread agricultural damage, leading to potential famine and starvation.
B. Geological Hazards
- Earthquakes are sudden movements of the Earth's crust that can cause ground shaking, soil liquefaction, landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis.
- Volcanic eruptions expel gases, ash, rock, and molten lava; they can result in significant property and environmental damage and can affect air quality.
C. Hydrometeorological Hazards
- Tropical cyclones, known as typhoons, involve extreme winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, flooding, and lightning; their components can interact to increase overall threat levels.
- Flooding occurs when water overflows its usual boundaries, impacting land, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
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Description
This quiz explores the various types of hazards, including natural and man-made phenomena. Delve into definitions and examples of each type, and understand their potential impacts on life, property, and the environment. Test your knowledge about what constitutes a hazard and its classification.
