Puerto Rico's vulnerability to hurricanes - cultural characteristics Flashcards
Describes the cultural characteristics of Puerto Rico that make it vulnerable to hurricanes
How would you describe Puerto Rico’s population density?
Puerto Rico has a high population density, especially in urban areas like San Juan.
Why does a high population density in vulnerable areas lead to more significant impacts during hurricanes?
A higher concentration of people in these areas means more people are directly affected, it can be challenging to evacuate them, and there’s a concentration of important infrastructure and economic activities that can be damaged.
Why is Puerto Rico densely populated?
Due to its small size, historically high birth rates leading to population growth, and the concentration of population in coastal areas which offer flat land for agriculture, transport links, and access to fishing.
Why is the dense population near the coast particularly concerning for hurricane impacts?
A dense population near the coast means more people will be affected by storm surges and the associated damages.
What challenges arise when trying to evacuate densely populated areas?
It can be difficult to evacuate large populations from small areas quickly and efficiently.
How does population density impact infrastructure and economic activities during hurricanes?
Dense populations mean a concentration of important infrastructure and economic activities that can be severely damaged in a short space of time.
How can urbanization and dense populations affect wind speeds and flooding during hurricanes?
The presence of buildings and ground cover can increase wind speeds and flooding, especially if drainage systems are inadequate.
How is dense population usually related to deforestation in Puerto Rico?
Where the population is dense, it is usually accompanied by deforestation, as land is cleared for building and other human activities.
Why are natural barriers like forests important during hurricanes?
Forests act as mechanisms to absorb some of the energy of the hurricane, providing a buffer against high winds and helping in groundwater absorption.
How has deforestation in Puerto Rico made it more vulnerable to hurricanes?
Puerto Rico has lost 25% of its native forest cover since 2000, making it more susceptible to the high winds associated with hurricanes.
