LOJH Natural Hazards

Front

What are natural hazards?

Back

Natural hazards are extreme, sudden events caused by environmental factors that result in significant damage or loss of life, such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which can result in ground shaking, surface rupture, and other geological effects.

Front

What is the role of tectonic plates in earthquakes?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that move and interact at their boundaries, causing stress that can lead to earthquakes when released.

Front

What is mass wasting?

Back

Mass wasting is the movement of soil and rock down a slope due to gravity, which can be triggered by factors like rainfall, earthquakes, or human activity.

Front

What is a retaining wall?

Back

A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion or mass wasting, often used in hilly or sloped areas.

Front

What factors contribute to flooding?

Back

Flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall, snowmelt, tropical storms, or monsoonal rains, leading to water overflow in rivers and other bodies of water.

Front

What is storm surge?

Back

Storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level during a storm, caused by strong winds and low atmospheric pressure, which can lead to coastal flooding.

Front

How can engineers improve the design of a retaining wall?

Back

Engineers can improve a retaining wall's design by increasing its height, using stronger materials, or adding drainage systems to manage water pressure.

Front

What is the significance of earthquake magnitude?

Back

Earthquake magnitude measures the energy released during an earthquake, with higher magnitudes indicating more powerful and potentially damaging events.

Front

What is the purpose of a seawall?

Back

A seawall is a coastal defense structure designed to protect land from erosion and flooding caused by waves and storm surges.