Knowledge Test 1 Flashcards
What is a natural hazard?
Naturally occuring (in lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere) [1]. Threat to life, built/ natural environment [1]
What are the three types of natural hazard?
Geophysical [1], Hydrological [1], Atmospheric [1]
What are the five characteristics of natural hazards?
Clear origins/distinctive effects [1]; little warning [1]; involuntary exposure in LICS [1]; most losses immediately after/some longer lasting [1]; emergency response due to scale/intensity [1]
Define vulnerability.
How susceptible a population is to damage caused by a hazard - potential for loss which varies over time and space - tells you how extreme the impacts will be and depends on governance and access to resources.
Define risk.
The liklihood of harm. It is linked to: perception; unpredictability of hazards; lack of alternatives; cost-benefits etc; vulnerability.
Define multi-hazard environment.
Places where two or more natural hazards occur and may interact to form more complex disasters.
Describe the spatial distribution of tropical storms.
5-20N/S of equator; 27C ocean; 70+m deep ocean; low level convergence of air;
Hurricanes: North Atlantic and NE pacific
Cyclones: Southern Pacific/ Indian
Typhoons: NW pacific affect SE Asia
Why do people consciously put themselves at risk of natural hazards? [5]
Unpredictable [1]; lack of alternatives [1]; changing level of risk [1]; cost/benefit [1]; perception [1]
Define adaptation.
Attempts by people or communities to LIVE with hazard events so change their living conditions/ lifestyle e.g. have drills/ keep emergency supplies.
Define fatalism.
People cannot influence the shape or outcome therefore nothing can be done to mitigate against it. People with such an attitude put in place limited or no prevention measures. ‘God’s will’
Define mitigation.
Attempts to lessen the severity of hazards - change the built environment etc. BUT not lifestyles.
Why is perception important in the context of hazards?
Determins peoples’ RESPONSES and the response they EXPECT FROM GOVERNMENTS.
What are the three ways people may perceive natural hazards? [3]
Fatalism [1]; Adaption [1]; Fear [1]
How do each of the following affect perception of risk? Socioeconomic status (wealth) Level of education Religion Past experience
Socioeconomic status: Wealthier areas better prepared/protected/consider hazards more controllable/voluntary > lower risk. Poorer areas: less able to afford protections etc/may be involuntary, lack of alternatives means cannot move away > risk seems greater. [1]
Level of education: people with a better education may better understand the risk of hazards or believe they are able to reduce the risks. [1]
Religion: If hazards are an act of god > people may perceive as uncontrollable and be less likely to mitigate them. [1]
Past experience: prison of experience - limit perception of risk to past experiences - more likely to fully understand. Vs ‘lightning never strikes the same place twice’ approach. [1]
Define community preparedness/risk sharing.
Pre-arranged collective methods to reduce loss of life - e.g. evacuation programmes OR insurance.
