Geography - Paper 1, Section A

Natural Hazards -

What is a natural hazard?

A natural hazard’s a natural event that poses a threat to people / has the potential to cause damage, destruction, + death.

Natural Hazards -

What are the two main types of natural hazards?

Geological (e.g. earthquakes, volcanoes) + meteorological (e.g. storms, droughts).

Natural Hazards -

What factors affect hazard risk?

Urbanisation, poverty, farming, + climate change.

Tectonic Hazards -

What are the three types of plate margins?

Constructive, destructive, + conservative.

Tectonic Hazards -

What happens at a destructive plate margin?

An oceanic plate is subducted beneath a continental plate, causing earthquakes + volcanoes.

Tectonic Hazards -

Why do people live in areas at risk from tectonic hazards?

Fertile soil, geothermal energy, tourism, lack of alternatives.

Tectonic Hazards -

Name two primary effects of an earthquake.

Buildings collapse, roads + infrastructure damaged.

Tectonic Hazards -

Name two secondary effects of an earthquake.

Fires from ruptured gas pipes, disease from lack of clean water.

Tectonic Hazards -

How can the effects of tectonic hazards be reduced?

Monitoring, prediction, protection, + planning.

Tectonic Hazards -

Compare the effects of a tectonic hazard in a LIC + a HIC.

LICS suffer more deaths + slower response, while HICs have better infrastructure + quicker recovery.

Weather Hazards -

What are tropical storms + how do they form?

Intense storms w/ high winds + heavy rain, forming over warm ocean water (over 27.C), needing low wind shear + rotation from the Coriolis effect.

Weather Hazards -

What are the primary effects of a tropical storm?

High winds, storm surges, flooding, damage to infrastructure.

Weather Hazards -

What are the secondary effects of a tropical storm?

Homelessness, spread of disease, economic disruption.

Weather Hazards -

How can the effects of tropical storms be reduced?

Prediction (tracking storms), protection (storm shelters), planning (emergency services, evacuation routes).

Weather Hazards -

How might climate change affect tropical storms?

Increase in intensity + possible frequency due to warmer seas.

Weather Hazards -

Give an example of a tropical storm + its effects.

Typhoon Haiyan (2013) in the Phillipines: over 6 000 deaths, widespread destruction, slow aid response.

UK Weather Hazards -

What types of extreme weather affect the UK?

Flooding, heatwaves, droughts, snow + ice, storms.

UK Weather Hazards -

Give an example of extreme weather in the UK.

The Somerset Levels floods (2014): caused by heavy rainfall, led to homes flooded, infrastructure damaged, + farmland affected.

UK Weather Hazards -

Why is the UK’s weather becoming more extreme?

Possibly linked to climate change - more energy in the atmosphere + shifting jet streams.

Climate Change -

What evidence is there for climate change?

Rising global temperatures, shrinking glaciers, rising sea levels, changes in wildlife distribution.

Climate Change -

What are the natural causes of climate change?

Orbital changes, volcanic activity, solar output.

Climate Change -

What are the human causes of climate change?

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture (methane from cattle).

Climate Change -

What are the effects of climate change on the environment?

Ice caps melting, sea levels rising, ecosystems disrupted.

Climate Change -

What are the effects of climate change on people?

Coastal flooding, reduced crop yields, water shortages, migration.

Climate Change -

What is mitigation in relation to climate change?

Actions to reduce / prevent the causes of climate change.

Climate Change -

What is adaptation in relation to climate change?

Adjusting to the impacts of climate change.