California Case Study Flashcards

Question 1

Q

What are some key features of California?

Answer

A

High income economy
San Andreas Fault line - conservative boundary
Mediterranean climate

Question 2

Q

What risks are they facing?

Answer

A

Geophysical hazards (EQs)
Atmospheric hazards (drought, fog, wildfires)
Major El Nino impacts
San Andreas fault hazardous zone parallel to coast and San Francisco Bay Area (conservative boundary)
Dry Santa Ana Wind periods

Question 3

Q

What have been the consequences of these risks?

Answer

A

Sierra Nevada fold mountains created
Flooding to LA Basin &amp; San Gabriel rivers
Wildfires in dry Santa Ana wind periods
Drought
Coastal flooding
$9.5 bn. damage
3000 killed

Question 4

Q

What has exacerbated the problems?

Answer

A

High pop. - more on marginal land in hills where wildfires are, more water shortage
Pollution - photochemical smog mixing with fog and making it worse
Deforestation - increased flooding at Santa Monica hillsides

Question 5

Q

What can they do to reduce the severity of the impacts?

Answer

A

Better infrastructure : pendulums, dampers, shock absorbers

California Case Study Flashcards

(5 cards)