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Chapter 16

Chapter 16. Natural Disasters and Catastrophes. Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes. The Most Devastating Natural Hazards. -Tsunami -Wildfire -Tornado -Flood -Drought. -Earthquake -Volcanic Eruption -Landslides -Hurricane -Heatwave. Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes.

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Chapter 16

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  1. Chapter 16 Natural Disasters and Catastrophes

  2. Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes • The Most Devastating Natural Hazards -Tsunami -Wildfire -Tornado -Flood -Drought -Earthquake -Volcanic Eruption -Landslides -Hurricane -Heatwave

  3. Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes • Natural Hazards • Any natural process that is a potential threat to human life and property • Disasters • A hazardous event that occurs over a limited time span in a defined geographic area where the loss of human life and property is significant. • Catastrophes • A massive disaster requiring significant time and money for recovery.

  4. Disasters and Catastrophes: Taking a Historic Point of View • Natural Hazards are Repetitive Events • Study History to reduce hazards • Link prehistoric record with historic record and modern measurements to gain insights.

  5. Fundamental Concepts • Natural processes have service functions. • Hazards are predictable • Hazards are producing more catastrophes than they were before. • Risk from hazards can be estimated • Adverse effects of hazards can be minimized

  6. Natural Processes Have Natural Service Functions • Physical processes create a varied landscape. • Periodic disturbance such as earthquake, volcanic eruption, and flooding create: • Fertile soil • Available water • Diverse land and life • Aesthetic beauty

  7. Lava Delta at E. Lae Apunki

  8. Hazards Are Predictable • Monitor areas where hazards have occurred in the past. • Statistics can evaluate frequency of a particular event. • Predict based on geography of where hazards are most likely to occur. Ex. Earthquakes most like near coastlines. • Forecast events and issue warnings. Ex. Tsunami warning system in the Pacific Ocean.

  9. Tsunami Warning System

  10. Linkages Exist Between Hazards and the Environment • Often one hazard can create another. Ex. Volcanic eruption can cause a landslide. • Natural hazards are linked to earth materials. Ex. Weak soils can lead to landslides. • Hazards can cause the disruption of ecosystems.

  11. Volcanic eruptions can cause mudslides

  12. Hazards are Producing More Catastrophes • Key Factor: Human Population Growth • Humans pushed into more hazardous areas • 15 cities of over 10 million most vulnerable • Land use transformation • How we use land effects hazardous events • Ex. Flooding of Yangtze River

  13. Risk From Hazards can be Estimated • Risk: product of the probability of an event times the consequences • Acceptable Risk: Risks that individuals or society are willing to take.

  14. Adverse Effects of Hazards can be Minimized • Active vs. Reactive Response: • Need to be more active • Land use planning • Hazard-resistant construction • Protection of ecosystems • Evacuation plans

  15. What Does the Future Hold? • Major Disasters are increasing due to population pressure and poor land-use planning. • Anticipating hazards will minimize suffering and economic losses

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