Natural Hazards and Disasters

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Natural Hazards and Disasters as discussed in the lecture.

Natural Hazard

Any naturally occurring process or event that is a potential threat to human life or property.

Natural Disaster

Hazardous events that occur over a limited time in a defined area and harm humans and property.

Catastrophe

A massive disaster, typically with many deaths, requiring significant amount of money or time to recover.

Earthquake

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface.

Tsunami

A series of large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Plate Tectonics

The theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere, resulting in earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Hazard Mitigation

Describes disaster preparedness efforts to minimize loss of life and property damage.

Vulnerability

The way a hazard or disaster will affect human life and property.

Risk Assessment

Assessment of hazards from a scientific point of view and the socio-economic impacts.

Prediction

A statement of the probability that a hazardous event will occur based on scientific observations.

Forecasting

Refers to short-term prediction in terms of the magnitude, location, date and time of an event.

Primary Effects

Effects that occur as a direct result of the process itself, such as water damage during a flood.

Secondary Effects

Effects that occur only because a primary effect has caused them, such as fires ignited from broken gas lines.

Tertiary Effects

Long-term effects that are set off as a result of a primary event, such as crop failure caused by volcanic eruptions.

Geologic Cycle

A group of physical, chemical and biological processes that create, maintain, and destroy materials near the earth's surface.

Acceptable Risk

The amount of risk that an individual or society is willing to take or accept.

Anticipatory Responses

Activities that occur prior to disasters to prevent loss of life and property.

Reactive Responses

Activities following disasters in reaction to them, such as emergency work and restoration of services.

Human Factors in Disasters

Human actions that influence the occurrence and severity of natural disasters, such as building in hazard-prone areas.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The practice of ensuring all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources regarding hazards and disasters.

Natural Service Function

Benefits provided by hazards, such as volcanic eruptions creating new land.