What’s a Hazard + Models + Tectonics

Hazard

A potential threat to human life and property caused by an event.

Disaster

An event or process that causes damage to life and property.

Risk

The possibility of a hazard event occurring that leads to loss of life or livelihood.

Geophysical Hazards

Hazards originating from the Earth's physical processes, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Atmospheric Hazards

Hazards related to the atmosphere, such as tornadoes and tropical storms.

Hydrological Hazards

Hazards associated with water, such as floods.

Volcanic eruption

A geological event where molten rock, ash, and gases are expelled from a volcano.

Earthquake

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Tornado

A rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.

Flood

An overflow of water onto land that is normally dry.

Urbanisation

The increasing population in urban areas, often leading to higher risk of hazards.

Vulnerability

The susceptibility of a population to the damaging effects of a hazard event.

Risk Sharing

Pre-arranged measures to reduce the loss of life and property from hazards.

Adaptation

Adjustments made by people to minimize the impacts of hazards.

Fatalism

The belief that events are predetermined and unavoidable, including hazards.

Perception of hazard

How individuals view and react to the threat posed by a hazard.

Socio-Economic Factors

Social and economic conditions that influence people's vulnerability to hazards.

Human Responses to Hazards

Actions taken to manage and mitigate the impacts of hazards.

Prediction

The act of forecasting a hazard event to enable preparedness.

Prevention

Measures taken to reduce the likelihood or impact of hazards.

Education in safety measures

Teaching communities about preparedness for hazards.

Post-Disaster Recovery

Actions taken to restore and rebuild communities after a disaster.

Preparedness

Readiness for an emergency or disaster.

Infrastructure

The basic physical structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society.

Emergency Services

Organizations responsible for providing immediate assistance to those affected by disasters.

Environmental Degradation

The deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's plates.

Continental Drift

The theory that continents have moved and are still moving slowly across the Earth's surface.

Seafloor Spreading

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges.

Palaeomagnetism

The study of the magnetic properties of rocks to understand Earth's historical magnetic field.

Ridge Push

A tectonic force where the elevated mid-ocean ridges push tectonic plates away.

Slab Pull

A tectonic force where the weight of a subducting plate pulls the rest of the plate down.

Heat flow in the mantle

Movement of heat from the Earth's core to the crust affecting tectonic plate movement.

Asthenosphere

The semi-liquid layer of the Earth's mantle located below the lithosphere.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Core

The innermost layer of the Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel.

Tsunami

A series of ocean waves caused by large underwater disturbances.

Hazard drill

A practice exercise designed to prepare individuals for emergency situations.

Community resilience

The ability of a community to adapt to and recover from disasters.

Recovery planning

Using data from past events to prepare for future hazards.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Early warning systems

Technological tools designed to provide alerts before disasters occur.

Disaster Relief Programs

Initiatives focused on providing aid and assistance following a disaster.

Multihazard environment

Areas exposed to multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Gendered roles in disasters

Differences in the experiences and responses of men and women in disaster situations.

Social inequalities

Disparities between different social groups, which can affect vulnerability to hazards.

Mobility and access during hazards

The ability of individuals to evacuate or respond to hazards based on their circumstances.

Emergency preparedness

The planning and training done to manage potential disasters effectively.

Risk communication

The way information about hazards and risks is conveyed to the public.

Societal behavior regarding hazards

How collective human actions can influence the probability and impact of hazards.

Long-term hazard management

Sustained efforts to mitigate the risks associated with hazards over time.

Historical disaster data

Information from past disasters used to inform future preparedness and response.

Crisis intervention

Immediate assistance provided during a disaster to help those affected.

Reconstruction phase

The process of rebuilding after a disaster has occurred.