Natural Hazards and Mitigation Flashcard

Front

What are natural hazards?

Back

Extreme events that occur naturally

Answer explanation

Natural hazards are defined as extreme events that occur naturally, such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. They differ from minor inconveniences or human-caused events, making the correct choice "Extreme events that occur naturally."

Front

Which of the following is a geophysical hazard? Earthquake, Flood, Cyclone, Drought

Back

Earthquake

Answer explanation

An earthquake is a geophysical hazard caused by the movement of tectonic plates, resulting in ground shaking. In contrast, floods, cyclones, and droughts are hydrological or meteorological hazards.

Front

What can cause a tsunami?

Back

Undersea earthquakes

Answer explanation

Tsunamis are primarily caused by undersea earthquakes, which displace large volumes of water. While landslides can also trigger tsunamis, heavy rainfall and strong winds do not directly cause them.

Front

Which hazard is associated with water?

Back

Floods

Answer explanation

Floods are directly associated with water, as they occur when water overflows onto normally dry land. Other options like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and wildfires do not primarily involve water.

Front

What is a common way to mitigate hydrological hazards?

Back

Constructing reservoirs

Answer explanation

Constructing reservoirs is a common way to mitigate hydrological hazards as they help manage water flow, reduce flooding, and store excess water during heavy rainfall, unlike the other options which do not address these issues.

Front

What type of hazard includes extreme temperatures?

Back

Climatological hazards

Answer explanation

Climatological hazards encompass extreme temperatures, as they relate to long-term weather patterns and climate conditions. This distinguishes them from meteorological hazards, which focus on short-term weather events.

Front

Which of the following is a biological hazard? Earthquake, Tsunami, Disease outbreak, Flood

Back

Disease outbreak

Answer explanation

A biological hazard refers to risks posed by living organisms, such as pathogens. A disease outbreak fits this definition, while earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods are natural disasters, not biological hazards.

Front

What can help mitigate climatological hazards? Options: Urban planning, Ignoring weather patterns, Increasing car usage, Building more factories

Back

Urban planning

Answer explanation

Urban planning can help mitigate climatological hazards by designing cities to withstand extreme weather, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable practices, unlike the other options which could exacerbate issues.

Front

What is a cyclone?

Back

A powerful storm

Answer explanation

A cyclone is defined as a powerful storm characterized by strong winds and heavy rain. It is not related to droughts, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, making 'A powerful storm' the correct choice.

Front

How can communities prepare for meteorological hazards?

Back

Through early warning systems

Answer explanation

Communities can prepare for meteorological hazards effectively through early warning systems, which provide timely alerts and information, enabling them to take necessary precautions and reduce risks.