Natural Hazards

• Why is classifying hazards difficult?

  Because some hazards may be caused by more than one physical process.
• Give an example of a hazard that can be classified under multiple processes.

  A tsunami can be both a tectonic and a geomorphological hazard.
• How can human processes influence natural hazards? Give an example.

  Forest fires can be caused by human activity such as arson or falling power lines.
• What is hazard risk?

  • Hazard risk is the probability or chance that a natural hazard may take place.
• What happens to hazard risk when the number of vulnerable people increases?

  The hazard risk increases.
• What are two reasons for the increase in vulnerable populations near hazard-prone areas?

  World population has increased and people cannot or do not want to move.
• What are the two aspects of natural hazards that can increase hazard risk?

  An increase in frequency and magnitude of the natural hazard.
• How does global warming affect hazard risk?

  It increases the probability of hazards such as flooding.
• What happens to hazard risk when the number of people capable of coping decreases?

  The hazard risk increases.
• What human activities can increase hazards such as landslides and flooding?

  Deforestation and urbanization.
• Why are some hazards harder to predict?

  Because it is therefore harder to evacuate people in time.
• What factors can limit people's ability to cope with natural hazards?

  Lack of money, knowledge, or ability to cope.
• In which type of countries is it more likely for people to struggle to cope with natural hazards?

  In low-income countries (LICs).
• List at least three factors that affect hazard risk.

  1. Increase in the number of vulnerable people
  2. Increase in frequency and magnitude of hazards
  3. Decrease in the number of people capable of coping
• What is a natural hazard?

  A natural hazard is a phenomenon that has the potential to cause damage, destruction, and death when it interacts with humans.
• What are the types of natural hazards classified by physical processes?

  • Tectonic hazards: Earthquakes and volcanoes
  • Geomorphological hazards: Flooding
  • Atmospheric hazards: Tropical storms
  • Biological hazards: Forest fires
• Why is classifying hazards difficult?

  Classifying hazards is difficult because some may be caused by more than one physical process or influenced by human processes.
• How can a tsunami be classified in terms of natural hazards?

  A tsunami can be classified as both a tectonic and a geomorphological hazard.
• How can human processes influence natural hazards like forest fires?

  Human processes can influence forest fires through activities such as arson or falling power lines.
• What is hazard risk?

  Hazard risk is the probability or chance that a natural hazard may take place.
• What factors can increase hazard risk?

  Hazard risk increases with an increase in the number of people vulnerable to the natural hazard.
• What has been observed about the world population in relation to hazard risk?

  The world population has increased, which affects vulnerability to natural hazards.
• Natural Hazard Definition


  A natural event caused by natural processes that would occur without human presence. It is a Hazard because of the potential to cause damage
• What are the economic reasons for living in areas at risk of natural hazards?

  • Geothermal energy provides power
  • Farming the nutrient-rich soil
  • Mining provides energy and minerals
  • Tourism creates jobs and income
  • Cheaper to stay than relocate
• How can the risks from natural hazards be reduced?

  • Monitoring, prediction, and planning by volcanologists and seismologists
  • Building designs to withstand earthquakes
  • Evacuation plans and education
• What are the key elements of disaster risk reduction?

  1. Protection
  2. Planning
  3. Preparedness
• What is the impact of climate change on natural hazards?

  It can increase the frequency and intensity of natural hazards
• What is the relationship between urbanization and disaster risk?

  Urbanization can increase vulnerability to natural hazards
• What is the impact of environmental degradation on disaster risk?

  It can increase vulnerability to natural hazards