Geography - Global systems and Tourism

Natural Hazards

The actual physical events or processes that have potential impacts on humans.

Natural Disasters

When a natural event results in significant harm to humans.

Hydrospheric Hazards

Hazards related to water bodies and water processes, such as floods and tsunamis.

Atmospheric Hazards

Hazards related to the atmosphere or weather events, including hurricanes and heatwaves.

Biospheric Hazards

Hazards arising from biological processes or living organisms, exemplified by disease outbreaks.

Lithospheric Hazards

Hazards associated with the Earth's crust and landforms, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in climate factors primarily caused by increased greenhouse gases from human activities.

El Niño

Warming of sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean, impacting global weather.

La Niña

Cooling of sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific that results in opposite weather impacts to El Niño.

Storm Surges

An abnormal rise in sea level above normal tide levels caused by strong winds during a storm.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of winds due to the spinning of the Earth.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Intensity Scale

A scale that categorizes hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds.

Cyclone

A weather event occurring in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans, similar to hurricanes and typhoons.

Isobars

Lines on a map joining places of equal pressure, indicating weather patterns.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor present in the air, affected by temperature.

Social Impacts of Natural Disasters in LEDCs

Higher death and injury rates, limited access to healthcare, and long-term reliance on aid.

Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters in LEDCs

Severe financial strain from infrastructure repair, compounded by limited recovery resources.

Environmental Impacts of Natural Disasters in LEDCs

Slow environmental recovery due to limited funds and expertise, leading to long-term damage like soil erosion and water contamination, which worsens poverty.

Bushfires

A type of natural hazard commonly occurring in Australia, related to hot, dry weather.

Cyclone Formation Requirements

Water temperature above 26.5°C, low pressure, high humidity, and favourable wind conditions (cyclones can only occur 5° north or south of the equator and beyond due to the Coriolis effect).

Social Impacts of Cyclones

• Loss of life and injuries: Due to strong winds, flooding, and storm surges.

• Displacement: People are evacuated or forced to leave homes, leading to temporary shelters and long-term relocation.

• Mental health: Increased trauma, stress, and anxiety from loss and recovery challenges.

• Disruption to services: Education, healthcare, and utilities (power, water) are often affected.

  

Economic Impacts of Cyclones

• Property damage: Destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure requires costly repairs and reconstruction.

• Agricultural loss: Crops and livestock are often destroyed, leading to income loss for farmers.

• Business interruption: Disruption to local economies, especially in tourism or agriculture-dependent areas.

• Recovery costs: Governments and insurance companies face significant financial burden for disaster response and rebuilding efforts.

  

Environmental Impacts of Cyclones

• Ecosystem destruction: Damage to coastal habitats, forests, coral reefs, and wildlife.

• Soil erosion and water contamination: Flooding can degrade land and pollute water sources.

• Loss of biodiversity: Cyclones can disrupt ecosystems, threatening plant and animal species.

Intertropical Convergence Zone

Also known as the doldrums, the ICZ is an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with calms, sudden storms and light unpredictable winds.