Unit 6: Managing Natural Hazards:

2-Mark Question

1. Define a natural hazard.

Model Answer:

A natural hazard is a natural event or process that has the potential to cause death, injury, damage to property or disruption to human activities.

Why this works:

• Identifies a natural event/process (1 mark)

• Links it to potential harm to people/property (2nd mark)

4-Mark Question

2. Explain two factors that increase the impacts of natural hazards on people.

Model Answer:

High population density: More people living in an area means more people may be exposed to the hazard, increasing the number of potential deaths and injuries.

Poor-quality buildings: Buildings that are not designed to withstand hazards such as earthquakes are more likely to collapse, causing deaths, injuries and economic damage.

Why this works:

• Factor → how it increases vulnerability → consequence.

6-Mark Question

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using hazard prediction and monitoring systems.

Model Answer:

Prediction and monitoring can provide warnings before some hazards occur, giving people time to evacuate or protect property. For example, monitoring weather systems can help authorities warn populations about approaching tropical storms. This can reduce deaths and injuries and allow emergency services to prepare.

However, not all hazards can be predicted accurately, and warnings may sometimes produce false alarms. Monitoring equipment and communication systems can also be expensive, particularly for poorer countries. If people do not trust warnings or do not have the resources to evacuate, prediction may have limited effectiveness.

Overall, prediction and monitoring can significantly reduce the impacts of hazards, but they are most effective when combined with education, planning and effective emergency responses.

8-Mark Question

4. Describe how preparation can reduce the impacts of earthquakes and evaluate its effectiveness.

Model Answer:

Earthquake impacts can be reduced through preparation before an earthquake occurs. Buildings can be designed with features such as flexible structures, reinforced foundations and shock absorbers so they are less likely to collapse. Emergency services can be trained and emergency supplies such as food, water and medical equipment can be stored in advance.

People can also be educated about what to do during an earthquake, such as moving away from windows and taking shelter under sturdy furniture. Emergency evacuation routes and earthquake drills can help people respond quickly.

Preparation can significantly reduce deaths and injuries because it reduces vulnerability before the hazard occurs. However, earthquake-resistant buildings and emergency systems can be expensive, particularly in lower-income countries. Preparation also cannot prevent the physical damage caused by very powerful earthquakes.

Overall, preparation is one of the most effective ways of reducing earthquake impacts because it directly reduces vulnerability, although its success depends on available resources and effective implementation.

10-Mark Question

5. Assess the most effective strategies for reducing the impacts of natural hazards.

Model Answer:

The impacts of natural hazards can be reduced through prediction, preparation, protection and emergency responses. Prediction systems can monitor hazards and provide warnings, allowing people to evacuate before an event. For example, weather satellites and monitoring systems can help identify approaching tropical storms.

Protection involves reducing physical vulnerability. Earthquake-resistant buildings can reduce building collapse, while sea walls and flood barriers can protect settlements from flooding. These strategies can be highly effective but may be expensive to construct and maintain.

Preparation is also important. Emergency drills, education, evacuation plans and emergency supplies can help communities respond quickly. These measures are often cheaper than large engineering projects and can be particularly valuable in poorer countries. However, they depend on people understanding and following the plans.

Emergency response after a disaster is also essential because rescue teams, medical care, food and clean water can reduce deaths and suffering. However, emergency response does not prevent the initial damage.

Overall, the most effective approach is a combination of strategies. Prediction can provide warnings, protection can reduce physical damage, and preparation and emergency response can reduce deaths and suffering. The best combination depends on the type of hazard and the resources available.

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