geography hazards

• hazard geography is the study of natural and ecological hazards, where and how they occur and how to minimise their impact. For example; the study of earthquakes and where they are located
• natural hazards are atmospheric, hydrological and geomorphic processes and events in our environment that have the potential to affect people adversely. For example; atmospheric (cyclones), hydrological (floods) and geomorphic (landslides).
• atmospheric hazards are hazards that are created from atmospheric and/or weather processes. they are driven by natural processes within earths atmosphere. For example; Bhola Cyclone 7-13 Nov 1970 Pakistan.
• hydrological hazards are driven by hydrological processes in the water cycle like floods, tsunamis and avalanches. For example; Yellow River Flood China 1938.
• geomorphic hazards are created by the movement of the earths surface or crust like movements of tectonic plates, or landslides. For example; Mount Vesuvius 79CE Pompeii.
• ecological hazards are a biological or chemical hazard that has the potential to impact adversely on the wellbeing of people or on the environment more generally. For example; COVID-19 2020.
• tropical storm example: Bhola Cyclone

  • 7-13 Nov 1970
  • struck east pakistan
  • killed 300,000+ people
  • deadliest cyclone in history
• landslides example: Mumbai landslide

  • 12 July 2000
  • killed 78 people
  • suburban neighbourhood
• bushfire example: Black Saturday

  • 7 Feb 2009 VIC
  • killed 173 people
  • one of Aus worst of all time
• floods example: Yellow River Flood

  • June 1938 China
  • killed 900,000
• droughts example: Horn of Africa

  • 2020-present
  • affects somali, kenya and ethiopia
  • 43,000 dead in 2022
• earthquake example: Indian Ocean

  • 26 Dec 2004
  • quake and tsunami
  • killed 230,000
• volcano example: Mount Vesuvius

  • 79 CE
  • killed 16,000
  • pompeii
• infectious disease

  • virus (covid-19)
  • bacteria (strep throat, chlamydia)
  • parasites (maleria)
  • fungi (toe anf fingernails)
• animal transmitted disease

  • zoonotic -> originated from animals (rabies)
• waterborne disease

  • microorganisms contaminating water (cholera)
• animal invasions

  • (cane toads)
• chemical hazard

  • (deep water horizon oil spill 2010)
• magnitude: the strength of a hazard or how large and important a natural hazard event is. the higher magnitude, the more severe the hazard is. For example; earthquakes are measures by the Richter scale 1-10. cyclones are measures in categories 1-5 based on wind speed.
• duration: the actual length of time that the hazard event occurs. For example; cyclones can last for days whereas tornadoes can last a few minutes.
• spatial distribution: the arrangement of geographical phenomena or activities across the earths surface. For example; earthquakes are specially distributed on earth, tectonic plates.
• temporal distribution: the distribution of geographical phenomena over time. For example; cyclones occur in summer between months of December and March.
• frequency: how often a hazard event occurs. For example; earthquakes often have aftershocks.
• probability: the chance of an event or action occurring. For example; cyclones are more likely in a tropical environment, such as Karratha.
• scale: how large is the impact, size, and destruction
• CYCLONE SEROJA - 2009

  how to prepare and plan for a cyclone;

  • prepare a cyclone kit
  • know cyclone alerts -> leave area if needed
  • clear yard
  • move vulnerable people
  • move/secure pets
  • travel safely
  • notify your family
  • make repairs
• CYCLONE SEROJA - 2009

  what to do during the storm

  • use sandbags
  • turn off the gas
  • shelter in smallest part of the house
  • stay inside
  • you won't have mobile connection
  • have a battery radio AM and FM
  • check warnings