Geography 105: Introduction to Winter 2025

Natural Hazards in Lower Mainland Communities

  • Types of Natural Hazards:

    • Hydrometeorological hazards

    • Geophysical hazards

    • Biological hazards

Key Definitions

  • Natural Hazard: A natural phenomenon causing threat or problems for people, affecting human life or property.

  • Disaster: An event involving significant numbers of people and/or economic damage, causing serious injuries, loss of life, and property damage in a limited time and specific geography.

  • Catastrophe: An extensive event similar to a disaster but impacting a larger population and infrastructure.

Impact and Preparedness

  • Impacts of Natural Hazards:

    • Varies greatly depending on the type of hazard and the preparedness of the community.

    • Assessment of how long individuals might need to survive independently after significant events, especially catastrophic earthquakes.

Notable Natural Disasters

  • Hurricane Katrina (August 28, 2005): A Category 5 hurricane resulting in catastrophic damage, serving as an example of hydrometeorological hazards.

  • California Wildfires (2020): Showcased geophysical hazards and their impacts on communities.

  • Tornadoes and Snowstorms: Examples of events that represent extreme weather phenomena with specific impacts on the affected areas.

  • Haiti Earthquake (2010) and Christchurch Earthquake (2011): Illustrate significant geophysical hazards and their human tolls.

  • Mt. St. Helens Eruption: Example of volcanic geophysical hazards which impacted both the environment and human settlements.

Course Components

  • Natural Hazard Journal:

    • Assignment chronicling hazards throughout the semester, due on February 27th and April 10th.

    • Anticipate 10-15 significant hazards weekly.

  • Preparedness Assignment:

    • Two-part assessment: (1) personal risk analysis from local hazards, (2) development of a preparedness plan.

  • Research Presentation:

    • Presentation on a past disaster, with specific topics assigned to each student.

Examination Details

  • Midterm Exam: February 27th

    • Structure: Short answer questions divided among lectures, preparedness and response, and film clips.

  • Final Exam: Scheduled between April 14 and 26th, comprising five sections, including an essay question.

Additional Course Elements

  • Film Clips: Utilization of disaster films in lectures to support understanding of disasters through visual representation.

    • Notable clusters of disaster movies emerge every two decades, with significant production in recent decades influenced by technology and societal events like 911.

If you're referring to adding another slide to a presentation, typically, yes, you can add another slide. The process usually involves going into the slide layout options in the software you are using (such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.) and selecting 'New Slide' or a similar option. Ensure that the content on the new slide aligns with the theme and message of your presentation.

If you're referring to adding another slide to a presentation, typically, yes, you can add another slide. The process usually involves going into the slide layout options in the software you are using (such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.) and selecting 'New Slide' or a similar option. Ensure that the content on the new slide aligns with the theme and message of your presentation.