Define natural hazard .

A natural hazard is an event caused by environmental processes that has the potential to cause harm to people, the environment, or the economy.

What is the difference between a hazard and a disaster ?

A hazard is an event with the potential to cause harm, while a disaster occurs when that harm actually affects people, the environment, or the economy.

Tectonic and geological hazards include , volcanic eruptions, landslides and .

Tectonic and geological hazards include earthquakes , volcanic eruptions, landslides and tsunami .

Name two ways natural hazards can be categorised by their characteristics.

Natural hazards can be categorised by their magnitude , frequency , size, duration, or location.

Hazard risk refers to the likelihood of a natural hazard event causing harm to people, the environment, or the economy.

True or False? Tropical cyclones develop in tropical regions between 5° and 30° north and south of the equator.

True. Tropical cyclones form in these latitudes where ocean temperatures and other conditions are suitable for their formation.

The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the or the .

The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter Scale or the Moment Magnitude Scale .

Where are most volcanoes found and what is this region called?

Most volcanoes are found around the rim of the Pacific Ocean, known as the Ring of Fire .

Define magnitude of a hazard.

The strength or power of a hazard event.

What is the difference between the focus and the epicentre of an earthquake?

The focus is the point at which the earthquake starts below the Earth's surface; the epicentre is the point on the surface directly above the focus.

The magnitude of a volcanic eruption is measured on the ______ .

The magnitude of a volcanic eruption is measured on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) .

True or False? A natural event only becomes a hazard because of its impact on people, the environment or the economy.

True. Natural events only become hazards and disasters due to their impact on people, the environment or the economy.

On which scale is the magnitude of a tropical cyclone measured?

The Saffir-Simpson Scale , from 1 to 5.

Define tropical cyclone .

A tropical cyclone is a large, rapidly rotating storm system that forms over warm, low-pressure ocean areas and is characterised by strong winds, heavy rain, and a calm eye at its centre.

Tropical cyclones require sea surface temperatures over °C and low .

Tropical cyclones require sea surface temperatures over 27 °C and low wind shear .

What causes the formation of the calm eye in a tropical cyclone?

The calm eye of a tropical cyclone forms because some of the air in the centre of the storm sinks, creating a region with clear skies and light winds.

True or False? Tropical cyclones strengthen as they move over cold water.

False. Tropical cyclones lose strength when they move over cold water because they lose their supply of warm, moist air needed for energy.

Tropical cyclones form between ______ and ______ north and south of the equator.

Tropical cyclones form between 5° and 30° north and south of the equator.

What is the maximum air pressure of a tropical cyclone?

Less than 950mb , as tropical cyclones are low-pressure areas.

What provides the energy that powers a tropical cyclone?

As the rising air cools and condenses, it releases heat energy which powers the storm.

The highest winds and heaviest rain in a tropical cyclone occur in the ______ .

The highest winds and heaviest rain in a tropical cyclone occur in the wall of the eye .

True or False? A tropical cyclone can have a diameter of up to 1000 km.

True. Tropical cyclones can have a diameter of up to 1000 km .

A rise in sea level caused by a tropical cyclone, and one of its key features alongside heavy rainfall and high winds.

Define destructive (convergent) plate boundary .

A destructive (convergent) plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, and the denser oceanic plate is forced under the lighter continental plate, often causing volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

What type of landform is created at a collision plate boundary ?

At a collision plate boundary , fold mountains such as the Himalayas are created as two plates of similar density collide and push land upwards.

At a constructive plate boundary, the plates are moving from each other, forming new crust at the .

At a constructive plate boundary, the plates are moving apart from each other, forming new crust at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge .

The epicentre is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus where an earthquake begins.

True or False? Earthquakes can only happen at plate boundaries.

False. Earthquakes can occur anywhere , but they mostly happen at or near plate boundaries.

The point where an earthquake starts underground is called the , while the point on the surface above it is the .

The point where an earthquake starts underground is called the focus , while the point on the surface above it is the epicentre .

Define hot spot in relation to volcanoes.

A hot spot is a location where magma rises through the Earth's crust away from plate boundaries, forming volcanoes such as the Hawaiian Islands.

At which types of plate boundaries do volcanoes form?

Volcanoes form at constructive (divergent) and destructive (convergent) plate boundaries, and at hot spots .

At a destructive (convergent) boundary, the plate subducts beneath the plate, leading to explosive eruptions.

At a destructive (convergent) boundary, the oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate, leading to explosive eruptions.

How do earthquake strengths differ between constructive and destructive plate boundaries?

Earthquakes at constructive plate boundaries are generally weaker, while those at destructive plate boundaries tend to be stronger.

True or False? Earthquakes are the only hazard at conservative (transform) boundaries.

True. At conservative (transform) plate boundaries , earthquakes are the only geologic hazard because plates slide past each other without creating volcanoes.

At constructive boundaries, volcanoes form from runny lava, while at destructive boundaries, explosive volcanoes form from sticky lava.

At constructive boundaries, shield volcanoes form from runny lava, while at destructive boundaries, explosive composite (stratovolcano) volcanoes form from sticky lava.

What are the primary hazards caused directly by a volcanic eruption ?

Primary hazards from a volcanic eruption include ash, pyroclastic flow, lava flow, gas emissions, and volcanic bombs .

IGCSEGeographyEdexcelFlashcardsHazardous EnvironmentsAnatomy of Natural Hazards

Anatomy of Natural Hazards (Edexcel IGCSE Geography): Flashcards

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Define natural hazard.

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Define natural hazard.
A natural hazard is an event caused by environmental processes that has the potential to cause harm to people, the environment, or the economy.
What is the difference between a hazard and a disaster?
A hazard is an event with the potential to cause harm, while a disaster occurs when that harm actually affects people, the environment, or the economy.
Tectonic and geological hazards include , volcanic eruptions, landslides and .
Tectonic and geological hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and tsunami.
Name two ways natural hazards can be categorised by their characteristics.
Natural hazards can be categorised by their magnitude, frequency, size, duration, or location.
Define hazard risk.
Hazard risk refers to the likelihood of a natural hazard event causing harm to people, the environment, or the economy.
True or False?
Tropical cyclones develop in tropical regions between 5° and 30° north and south of the equator.
True.
Tropical cyclones form in these latitudes where ocean temperatures and other conditions are suitable for their formation.
The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the or the .
The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter Scale or the Moment Magnitude Scale.
Where are most volcanoes found and what is this region called?
Most volcanoes are found around the rim of the Pacific Ocean, known as the Ring of Fire.
Define magnitude of a hazard.
The strength or power of a hazard event.
What is the difference between the focus and the epicentre of an earthquake?
The focus is the point at which the earthquake starts below the Earth's surface; the epicentre is the point on the surface directly above the focus.
On which scale is the damage caused by an earthquake measured?
The Mercalli Scale.
The magnitude of a volcanic eruption is measured on the ______.
The magnitude of a volcanic eruption is measured on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI).
True or False?
A natural event only becomes a hazard because of its impact on people, the environment or the economy.
True.
Natural events only become hazards and disasters due to their impact on people, the environment or the economy.
On which scale is the magnitude of a tropical cyclone measured?
The Saffir-Simpson Scale, from 1 to 5.
Define tropical cyclone.
A tropical cyclone is a large, rapidly rotating storm system that forms over warm, low-pressure ocean areas and is characterised by strong winds, heavy rain, and a calm eye at its centre.
Tropical cyclones require sea surface temperatures over °C and low .
Tropical cyclones require sea surface temperatures over 27°C and low wind shear.
What causes the formation of the calm eye in a tropical cyclone?
The calm eye of a tropical cyclone forms because some of the air in the centre of the storm sinks, creating a region with clear skies and light winds.
True or False?
Tropical cyclones strengthen as they move over cold water.
False.
Tropical cyclones lose strength when they move over cold water because they lose their supply of warm, moist air needed for energy.
Tropical cyclones form between ______ and ______ north and south of the equator.
Tropical cyclones form between 5° and 30° north and south of the equator.
What is the maximum air pressure of a tropical cyclone?
Less than 950mb, as tropical cyclones are low-pressure areas.
What provides the energy that powers a tropical cyclone?
As the rising air cools and condenses, it releases heat energy which powers the storm.
What causes the rising air in a tropical cyclone to spiral around the centre?
The Coriolis force.
In which direction does a tropical cyclone move from its source?
Westwards.
The highest winds and heaviest rain in a tropical cyclone occur in the ______.
The highest winds and heaviest rain in a tropical cyclone occur in the wall of the eye.
What is the minimum wind speed of a tropical cyclone?
Over 119 km/h.
True or False?
A tropical cyclone can have a diameter of up to 1000 km.
True.
Tropical cyclones can have a diameter of up to 1000 km.
Define storm surge.
A rise in sea level caused by a tropical cyclone, and one of its key features alongside heavy rainfall and high winds.
Define destructive (convergent) plate boundary.
A destructive (convergent) plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, and the denser oceanic plate is forced under the lighter continental plate, often causing volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
What type of landform is created at a collision plate boundary?
At a collision plate boundary, fold mountains such as the Himalayas are created as two plates of similar density collide and push land upwards.
At a constructive plate boundary, the plates are moving from each other, forming new crust at the .
At a constructive plate boundary, the plates are moving apart from each other, forming new crust at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Define epicentre.
The epicentre is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus where an earthquake begins.
True or False?
Earthquakes can only happen at plate boundaries.
False.
Earthquakes can occur anywhere, but they mostly happen at or near plate boundaries.
The point where an earthquake starts underground is called the , while the point on the surface above it is the .
The point where an earthquake starts underground is called the focus, while the point on the surface above it is the epicentre.
Define hot spot in relation to volcanoes.
A hot spot is a location where magma rises through the Earth's crust away from plate boundaries, forming volcanoes such as the Hawaiian Islands.
At which types of plate boundaries do volcanoes form?
Volcanoes form at constructive (divergent) and destructive (convergent) plate boundaries, and at hot spots.
At a destructive (convergent) boundary, the plate subducts beneath the plate, leading to explosive eruptions.
At a destructive (convergent) boundary, the oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate, leading to explosive eruptions.
How do earthquake strengths differ between constructive and destructive plate boundaries?
Earthquakes at constructive plate boundaries are generally weaker, while those at destructive plate boundaries tend to be stronger.
True or False?
Earthquakes are the only hazard at conservative (transform) boundaries.
True.
At conservative (transform) plate boundaries, earthquakes are the only geologic hazard because plates slide past each other without creating volcanoes.
At constructive boundaries, volcanoes form from runny lava, while at destructive boundaries, explosive volcanoes form from sticky lava.
At constructive boundaries, shield volcanoes form from runny lava, while at destructive boundaries, explosive composite (stratovolcano) volcanoes form from sticky lava.
What are the primary hazards caused directly by a volcanic eruption?
Primary hazards from a volcanic eruption include ash, pyroclastic flow, lava flow, gas emissions, and volcanic bombs.

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