Unit 9 - Page 276 - 282

Which of the following factors influences an individual’s perception of risk in a hazardous situation?

• Experience

• Material well-being

• Personality

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Explanation:
People respond to risks differently based on experience (e.g., if they’ve faced a hazard before), material well-being (e.g., wealthier people may have resources to prepare), and personality (e.g., risk-takers may take more chances).
Example:
Someone who has survived an earthquake might prepare better (experience), while wealthier people might live in safer homes (material well-being).

What are the three main choices individuals have in responding to a hazard?

• Evacuate, stay, or ignore

• Do nothing, adjust, or leave

• Adapt, flee, or fight

• Risk, vulnerability, or manage

Answer explanation

Explanation:
When facing a hazard, you can either stay and do nothing, adjust by preparing to live with the hazard, or leave the area entirely.
Example:
Living in a flood-prone area, you could:

1. Ignore the risk and rebuild every time a flood happens.

2. Build a raised house to reduce damage.

3. Move to a safer place.

What does “vulnerability” refer to in the context of hazards?

• The likelihood of a disaster occurring

• The susceptibility of a community to hazards

• The magnitude of an earthquake

• The risk of economic loss

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Vulnerability is how likely a community is to suffer harm from a hazard due to things like poor housing, lack of resources, or weak infrastructure.
Example:
A poor community living in unstable houses on a hillside is more vulnerable to landslides than a wealthy community in safer buildings.

What is the primary purpose of hazard mapping?

• Predicting where future hazards will occur

• Identifying vulnerable communities

• Analyzing potential impacts of hazards

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Hazard mapping identifies risks, predicts where hazards may happen, and helps communities prepare for them.
Example:
A hazard map of a volcanic region shows areas at risk of lava flow, helping residents evacuate on time.

What does “risk” refer to in hazard management?

• The probability of a hazard occurring

• The potential consequences of a hazard

• Both A and B

• Neither A nor B

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Risk involves both the likelihood of a hazard (e.g., how often it happens) and the consequences (e.g., the damage it causes).
Example:
A city near a fault line faces high risk because earthquakes are likely and would cause serious damage.

Which stage of a disaster includes emergency rescue and relief efforts?

• Pre-conditions

• Phase 3: Post-disaster recovery

• Phase 2: Immediate disaster response

• Rehabilitation

Answer explanation

Explanation:
The immediate disaster response includes rescuing people and providing emergency relief (e.g., food and shelter).
Example:
After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, emergency teams rescued trapped survivors and provided water and medical care.

What is the purpose of seismometers?

• To predict volcanic eruptions

• To measure earthquakes and tremors

• To detect changes in tsunami waves

• To identify areas of vulnerability

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Seismometers are tools that measure ground movements caused by earthquakes or tremors.
Example:
Seismometers detected the early tremors of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which later caused a tsunami.

Which of the following is NOT a factor in predicting earthquakes?

• Changes in rock strain

• Gas emissions from fault lines

• Small-scale ground movements

• Historical patterns of seismic activity

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Gas emissions don’t predict earthquakes, but changes in ground movement, rock strain, and past activity patterns do.
Example:
Scientists use GPS and seismometers to track small cracks forming in rocks near fault lines.

What is the most effective way to reduce the impacts of an earthquake?

• Implementing land-use planning and seismic-resistant buildings

• Relocating entire cities from fault zones

• Using advanced seismometers to stop earthquakes

• Warning systems to stop ground shaking

Answer explanation

Explanation:
The best way to minimize damage is to build earthquake-resistant buildings and plan land use to avoid high-risk zones.
Example:
Japan builds flexible skyscrapers designed to withstand strong shaking, reducing collapse risks.

How do tsunamis typically form?

• Underwater volcanic eruptions

• Earthquakes beneath the ocean floor

• Rapid weather changes in coastal regions

• Landslides on steep cliffs

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Tsunamis are usually caused by underwater earthquakes that displace large volumes of water.
Example:
The 2004 tsunami was triggered by a massive earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean.