Natural Hazards and Their Impact on Society

Which area is known as 'Tornado Alley'?

• The East coast

• Gulf of Mexico

• Interior states of the US

• The Pacific coast

What does the Pacific Ring of Fire primarily cause along the Pacific coast?

• Severe droughts

• Intense heatwaves

• Earthquakes and volcanoes

• Frequent hurricanes

What turns a natural event into a natural hazard?

• Its potential impact on humans

• The physical processes behind it

• The frequency of the event

• Its occurrence in uninhabited areas

What is NOT considered a natural hazard?

• Oil spills

• Earthquakes

• Floods

• Wildfires

How do geographers evaluate the magnitude of a hazard?

• Using the speed of onset

• By its impact on the economy

• Through the height of a flood or intensity of a windstorm

• By the number of people affected

Why are some places more vulnerable to natural hazards than others?

• Because of the local climate

• Based solely on economic status

• Owing to choices and social systems

• Due to their geographical location only

What is a key factor in strengthening community resilience after a disaster?

• Social bonds and community

• Government intervention

• Economic wealth

• Advanced technology only

What contributes to a city's resilience against earthquakes?

• Coastal location

• High population density

• Mixed timber and masonry construction

• Skyscrapers and high rises