AQA GCSE Geography - Natural Hazards

Define a natural hazard

An event which has the potential to cause harm to the environment, people or economy

A disaster occurs when harm actually occurs to the —, — or —

Environment, people, economy

Give the 9 examples of natural hazards

• Earthquakes

• Volcanic eruptions

• Floods

• Landslides

• Tsunamis

• Tropical storms

• Droughts

• Tornadoes

Define hazard risk

The chance that an area or population will be affected by a natural hazard

Name and explain the factors affecting the level of hazard risk

Population - as population increases, ppl living in areas vulnerable to natural hazards

Urbanisation - urban areas are more densely populated, increasing n.o ppl at risk

Frequency and Magnitude - how often a hazard event occurs, as well as magnitude

Level of Development - HICs are more prepared and able to cope than LICs and NEEs

Prediction - some hazards are impossible to predict so ppl have no warning

Human Activities - some activities, such as deforestation or urbanisation, increase risk