hazards

Question 1

what factors influence the impact of a hazard?

Answer 1

• preparedness (MITIGATION+ ADAPTATION STRATEGIES)
• state of the economy
• population (DEMOGRAPHICS, DENSITY)
• magnitude
• intensity
• frequency
• level of development
• topography
• geology
• type of hazard (VOLCANO/ EARTHQUAKE, SHALLOW/ DEEP FOCUS, EFFUSIVE/ EXPLOSIVE etc.)
• geographic location (e.g the RING OF THE FIRE)
• politics

Question 2

what is the DISASTER RISK EQUATION?

Answer 2

r (risk) = h (magnitude/ frequency) * v (vulnerability
_____________________________
c (capacity to cope)

Question 3

VULNERABILITY

Answer 3

ability of person/ community to WITHSTAND EXPOSURE TO+ RISKS FROM a HAZARD e.g. earthquake/ volcanic eruption, PREPARE, and PREDICT
MOST VULNERABLE when relatively small event/ physical changes have MAJOR SOCIO- ECONOMIC IMPACTS
how SUSCEPTIBLE an area is to loss of life/ damage (DISASTER)

Question 4

RESILIENCE

Answer 4

indication of RATE OF RECOVERY from hazardous event - how well can withstand the event and remain functioning
e.g. resources and strategies like warning systems, building design, emergency aid/ search and rescue
HIGH RESILIENCE means QUICKER RECOVERY (link to Park’s disaster response curve)
* includes LONG TERM adaptation and adjustments to mitigate future hazards

Question 5

what do VULNERABILITY and RESILIENCE link to?

Answer 5

CAPACITY TO COPE

Question 6

how has the RISK of TECTONIC HAZARDS changed OVERTIME?

Answer 6

• number of natural DISASTERS has increased but not the frequency of EARTHQUAKES+ VOLCANOES
• over last 50 years, avg. 30 volcanic eruptions+ earthquakes a year
• however, impact has worsened due to POPULATION GROWTH, which has resulted in more people living in at- risk zones

Question 7

what factors affect the shape of PARK’S DISASTER RESPONSE CURVE?

Answer 7

PHYSICAL:
* speed of onset of event
* magnitude of event
* length of event
* type of hazard
HUMAN:
* level of monitoring
* money (rebuild)- level of development
* degree of prep
* quality+ quantity of relief

Question 8

what type of curve would an AC have?

Answer 8

STEEPER GRADIENT as faster recovery + LESS IMPACT as highter level if preparedness

Question 9

what type of curve would an LIDC have?

Answer 9

deeper+ less steep gradient due to slower recovery + greater impact

Question 10

how would a curve for an earthquake differ from one for a volcanic eruption?

Answer 10

earthquake would have a steeper drop+ less steep gradient due to harder to prepare for+ predict+ recover from

Question 11

what are the three types of strategy for managing tectonic hazards?

Answer 11

Modify event
Modify peoples vulnerability
Modify peoples losses

Question 12

Examples of MODIFYING the EVENT

Answer 12

not possible for majority of VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS but these have been tried with some success:
* lava diversion channels
* spraying lava so cools + solidifies
* slowing lava flows by dropping concrete blocks
CANNOT MANAGE EVENT of EARTHQUAKES

Question 13

Examples of MODIFYING PEOPLE’S VULNERABILITY

Answer 13

• EDUCATION: recognise signs of eruptions/ what to do (evacuation roots, drills)
• COMMUNITY PREPARDNESS: building tsunami shelters/ walls, strengthening public buildings e.g. hospitals+ schools
• PREDICTION+ WARNING: increase use of tech. to monitor particularly active locations (e.g. individual volcanoes)
• HAZARD RESISTANT BUILDING DESIGN: cross- bracing (ASIESMIC DESIGN) , steep slopes to prevent ash build up
• HAZARD MAPPING: e.g. predicted lahar routes, ground likely to liquefy
• LAND- USE ZONING: prevent building in locations identified by hazard mapping

Question 14

Examples of MODIFYING PEOPLE’S LOSSES

Answer 14

• EMERGENCY AID: e.g. bottled water, medical supplies, tents, food packs
• DISASTER- RESPONSE TEAMS+ EQUIPMENT: e.g. helicopters, heavy lifting machinery
• SEARCH AND RESCUE strategies
• building+ businesses INSURANCE
• RESOURCES FORE REBUILDING public services e.g. schools+ hospitals
  As well as for INDIVIDUALS TO REBUILD HOMES+ BUSINESSES