Exam 1 Flashcards
(41 cards)
Define a natural hazard
A natural, but extreme geological or meteorological event greatly exceeding human expectations in terms of magnitude or frequency and potentially causing significant material damage to humans and their property with possible loss of life
What is a natural disaster ?
A natural disaster is a major adverse event that affected humans resulting from geological or meteorological processes
Why is studying the science of natural hazards important ?
Science helps us predict/forecast natural disasters
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, and hurricanes are normal processes that can be studied using the scientific method
Most hazardous events and processes can be monitored and mapped, and their future activity predicted, on the basis of frequency of past events, patterns in their occurrence, and types of precursor events
Consequences of hazards can be minimized. Minimizing the potential adverse consequences and effects of natural hazards requires an integrated approach that includes, scientific understanding, land-use planning and regulation, engineering, and proactive disaster preparedness
What is a hazard mitigation ?
Is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters
What are the five typical approaches to natural disasters ?
Accept the loss Zoning regulations Engineering solutions Hazard warning systems and evacuation Public use and abandonment of hazardous areas
How does population growth relate to disasters ?
An increase in population forces more people to live in hazardous places
What types of energy drive natural disasters ?
Sun
Gravity (including tides)
Natural radioactive decay
Impacts
What is the plate tectonic theory ?
Concepts that the earth’s surface is divided into a few large, thick plates that are slowly moving and changing in size
Types of plate margins ?
Convergent
Divergent
Conservative/transform
How are plate boundaries recognized ?
Volcanoes and earthquakes
What are the driving mechanisms for plate tectonics ?
Slab pull
Ridge push
Mantle convection
How much water do you need to prepare for a natural disaster ?
One gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
How many days worth of supplies should you have ?
7 days worth or enough to survive
What are some items that you should have in your kit ?
Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (supply as above) / can opener
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Cell phone with chargers (crank charger is good)
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of the area
Copies of personal documents (medication list, medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
What is the best way to communicate with friends and family during or shortly after a disaster ?
Text
What are two reasons that it is important to be prepared for a disaster ?
Preparedness is a principle part of the Emergency Management Cycle
Red Cross Ready Checklist
I know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in my community.
I have a family disaster plan and have practiced it.
I have an emergency preparedness kit.
At least one member of my household is trained in first aid and CPR/AED (defibrillator).
I have taken action to help my community prepare.
Get a kit. Make a plan. Be Informed.
What are six common types/shapes of volcanoes ?
Flood/plateau basalt Shield volcano Cinder cone Composite or stratovolcano Volcanic dome Caldera
What materials make up volcanoes ?
Lava
Ash
Rock fragments
What are the differences in the shape of the different types ?
Large magma chamber Bedrock Conduit (pipe) Base Sill Dike Layers of ash emitted by the volcano Flank Layers of lava emitted by the volcano Throat Parasitic cone Lava flow Vent Crater Ash cloud
What are important aspects of household preparedness ?
Make a plan
Two places to meet (home and farther away)
Emergency contact person
practice evacuation
Describe a stratovolcano/composite volcano
Pyroclastic flow a dense, destructive mass of very hot ash, lava fragments, and gases ejected explosively from a volcano and typically flowing downslope at great speed
Explain a pyroclastic flow
A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving current of hot gas, crystals and rock, which reaches speeds of up to 700 km/h (435 mph)
What is a caldera ?
Relatively viscous lava
Very violent
Lava flows and pyroclastic flows (tuff)
Need some type of explosion
Explain a lava dome
High viscosity magmas
High violence, but small
