Natural hazards

• Define natural hazard

  A natural event that threatens people or has the potential to cause damage, destruction and death.
• Types of natural hazard

  • Earthquake
  • Volcanic Eruption
  • Tropical Storm
  • Flood
• Factors affecting hazard risk

  • Location; Geology
  • Magnitude
  • Population Density
  • Frequency
• Hazard risk : How does geology affect hazard risk?

  • An earthquake in an area of soft rock is larger and lasts longer than in one in an area of hard rock.
  • Soft rock makes the risk of liquefaction greater.
• Hazard risk : Population density

  • If a hazard strikes a densely populated area, the greater the risk can result in more damage, casualties and fatalities.
  • An increase in population inevitably means more housing and therefore potential for damage and destruction to buildings.
  • In comparison to a sparsely populated area, which will have lower risk.
• Hazard risk : Level of Development and the 3 P's

  • HIC's have more money to invest in predicting, preparing for and protecting themselves from natural hazards.
  • HIC's tend to have more stable governments so are able to respond well to natural hazards due to availability of organised emergency services and better equipped nature.
• Building quality

  •  HICs have stricter planning laws and are better able to invest in technology, such as earthquake proof buildings. 
  • LIC's are less protected.
• Magnitude

  • size of natural hazard
  • The greater the force of the hazard, the more likely it is the hazard will have a greater impact on people.
• Frequency

  • How often the natural hazard occurs.
  • If a hazard strikes a place regularly, people tend to be more prepared for it and adapt their way of life to cope.
• Hazard risk meaning

  • The probability or chance that a natural hazard may take place.