CAR M1 - Geographical phonomena

Question 1

Plate tectonics

Answer 1

This refers to the theory that the earth is made up of a series of plates whose movement results in the creation of mountains, volcanoes and other land masses, as well as some hazards

Question 2

Geographical hazard

Answer 2

This refers to the risks generated on the earth’s surface by natural or human processes / phenomena such as floods, landslide/rock fall and hurricanes, which pose a threat to human life and activity.

Question 3

Geological hazards

Answer 3

This refers to risks generated within the earth’s core and or crust, usually by tectonic activity that pose a threat to human life and activity, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides/ rock falls, sink holes and tidal flooding (tsunamis).

Question 4

Human ecology

Answer 4

This refers to the relationship that is forged between people and their environment (habitat) according to perceptions, beliefs and values. It is also the way nature and people relate and are perceived, or the man-made relationship. Additionally, it is an academic subfield of sociology and geography that deals with the relationship between human societies and their natural, social and created environments

Question 5

Environmental hazards

Answer 5

This refers to the elements in the physical environment that are harmful to people and are caused by forces extraneous to them

Question 6

Earthquake

Answer 6

This is the sudden movement / shaking of the earth which is caused by the release of energy as rocks suddenly break or shift under stress. Earthquakes can also be cause by the movement of magma beneath a volcano.

Question 7

Volcano

Answer 7

This is an opening in the Earth’s crust which allows ash, lava, steam and hot gases to escape to the surface, creating an atmosphere dangerous to plants and animals around its vent. Over time, these eruptions build a cone shaped mountain.

Question 8

Tsunami

Answer 8

This is a series of high sea waves which may be the result of an undersea earthquake or, more rarely, volcanic eruption that triggers a giant landslide on the sea floor. A tsunami may be three meters or more in height and can flood coastal areas and travel up river valleys, washing people and property away.

Question 9

Natural hazard

Answer 9

The threat or loss to human systems as a result of extreme weather, floods and droughts, and biological processes including pests and vectors such as mosquitoes spreading viruses like dengue fever.

Question 10

Emergency management

Answer 10

The steps that are taken before or after a disaster to minimize or solve the damaging effects and ensure sustainable development

Question 11

Hurricane

Answer 11

A large rotating storm with high wind speed, storm surge and torrential rainfall, thereby causing flooding, beach erosion and power failures.

Question 12

Storm surge

Answer 12

When the wind blows the ocean ashore, creating sea levels of up to 8m above normal. If this coincides with a high tide, it can threaten coastal communities.

Question 13

Soil erosion

Answer 13

The removal of the topsoil from the land by heavy rainfall or wind. This reduces organic matter, lowering crop yields and increasing production costs. The chief cause is the absence of vegetation cover, possible because of poor farming techniques such as slash and burn or, overgrazing on steep slopes.

Question 14

Coral reefs

Answer 14

Corals are animals made of numerous tiny individuals called coral polyps. Hard corals inhabit shallow seawater and the polyps secrete calcium carbonate to create exoskeletons, forming coral reefs.

They are at risk from costal development, overfishing and nutrients from sewage and agricultural fertilizer.

Question 15

Drought

Answer 15

A climatic condition where insufficient rainfall occurs over an extended period. This causes a drying up of water supplies and affects people, towns, agriculture, livestock and industry

Question 16

Flood

Answer 16

These occur when heavy and continuous rainfall overwhelms the soil or river systems. Water builds up in places where it is normally dry, which affects home, crops and businesses. Storm surges can result in floods in coastal areas and river valleys.