Define hazard
Threat of substantial loss of human life/substantial impact on life/substantial damage to property that can be caused by an event
What 2 sources can hazards be caused by?
Human and Natural
Can natural events be the result of human action? Explain why
Yes:
arson = wildfire
Poor land use management = flood
What can a natural hazard lead to if it occurs?
Natural disaster
What are the 3 types of hazards? Define each one
- Geophysical - driven by Earth’s own internal energy sources e.g. volcanoes
- Atmospheric - Driven by atmospheric processes e.g. storm, drought
- Hydrological - Driven by water bodies, mainly oceans e.g. floods, storm surges
When does a natural event become a natural hazard?
When there’s a chance it will affect people
What has led to more construction in areas already at risk from natural hazards?
Increasing population and demand to build
Why might people choose to remain in an area threatened by natural hazards?
The advantages outweigh the disadvantages e.g. fertile soil near volcano
What 3 social characteristics can determine how people approach hazards?
Age, social status and religion
How do humans respond to a natural hazard locally?
Save possessions and safeguard property
How do humans respond globally to natural hazards?
Coordinate rescue and humanitarian aid
What is the speed of response to a natural hazard dependent on?
Magnitude of the event
Original state of the infrastructure and how badly it’s damaged
What system reduces response time? Explain how.
Automatic Disaster Analysis and Mapping systems (ADAMs) - database that combines info from USGS, WB and WFP to allow fast access to the scale of the disaster, what supplies are available locally and the local infrastructure
What are the 6 methods in which humans respond to natural hazards?
- Fatalism
- Prediction
- Adaptation
- Mitigation
- Management
- Risk sharing
Describe the human response of “fatalism” to a natural hazard.
- People accept the risk but do little about it
- Usually leads to large loss of life
- Common in developing countries
Describe the human response of “Prediction” to a natural hazard. Give an example in terms of a tropical storm
Occurence date of hazard is predicted to prepare for impact.
• Common in developed countries
Tropical storm:
• Tracked to predict likely area of landfall
• Gives authorities time to organise evacuation plans and prepare people
Describe the human response of “Adaptation” to a natural hazard.
- Response choice of places that often experience natural hazards
- Change behaviour to better cope with future events
- Common in developed countries
Describe the human response of “Mitigation” to a natural hazard.
Any action taken to reduce long term risk to human life and property from natural hazards
• Areas are prepared so the impact is reduced when the hazard occurs
• e.g. Retro-engineering old buildings to reduce chance of collapse
Describe the human response of “Management” to a natural hazard.
- Identify possible risks to life and property, then allocate resources to tackle the hazard
- Common in developed countries
Describe the human response of “Risk Sharing” to a natural hazard.
- Sharing knowledge and human response strategies enables country to better prepare for hazards
- Hazard intensity reduction depends on how well countries adapt mitigation strategies
- E.G. International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) - sets out national and international responsibilities in preparing for disasters
