A LevelGeographyAQARevision Notes5. Hazards5.1 The Concept of Hazards5.1.3 Hazard Models

Hazard Models (AQA A Level Geography)

Revision Note

Rhiannon Molyneux

Expertise

Geography Content Creator

Hazard Management Cycle

  • The hazard management cycle is a model that shows how the events of one hazard event inform planning and preparation for the next hazard event

hazard-management-cycle-1

 

Hazard management cycle

Examples of Management Strategies

Stage of model

Examples of management strategies
Response Search and rescue and provision of emergency medical assistance and aid
Recovery Restoring services and reconstruction of damaged buildings
Mitigation

Building flood barriers, setting up an early warning system
Preparedness Earthquake drills, public awareness campaigns
  • The time taken for each stage will vary due to:
    • Level of development
    • Magnitude of the hazard
    • Quality of governance
    • Aid available
  • These factors will have most impact on the response and recovery stages

Worked example

Outline the concept of the hazard management cycle.

[4 marks]

  • Remember, this answer is point marked with 1 mark for each valid point made with extra marks for developed points (d)
  • The command word is ‘explain’
  • The focus of the question is ‘hazard management cycle’
  • You will gain marks for explaining what the hazard management cycle is and outlining what happens in each of the stages

Answer:

  • The hazard management cycle is a continuous loop which explains an approach to managing a known hazard (1).
  • Preparedness is concerned with using evidence and data from previous events to plan for hazards associated with the event. (1) Good preparation is the key to minimising impact upon the population (1) (d).
  • Response is concerned with deploying services and resources to save people and property from harm (1). Response is likely to involve emergency services such as fire and rescue teams in an earthquake (1) (d).
  • Recovery is concerned with post disaster reconstruction and restoration of the local built and natural environment (1).
  • Mitigation is an extension to recovery. This is the active steps taken to minimise the negative impacts associated with the hazard (1). Constructing earthquake proof buildings or flood protection systems are examples of mitigation (1) (d).

Park Model of Human Response

  • Park's model shows how people’s quality of life is affected by hazards
  • It also outlines how people respond to hazard events

park-model-1

The Park model of human response to hazards

  • The model describes three phases that follow a hazard event:
    • Relief – the immediate response including search and rescue, provision of emergency medical assistance and aid
    • Rehabilitation – a longer phase that includes temporary restoration of services and infrastructure e.g. temporary schools and shelters are set up
    • Reconstruction – permanent restoration which aims to provide the same or an improved quality of life than before e.g. through the rebuilding of infrastructure using aseismic designs 
  • The steepness of the downward curve varies depending on the nature and magnitude of the hazard
    • A high magnitude event that happens very suddenly will have a steeper and deeper curve than a slow-onset, low magnitude event
  • The upward curve will vary for each event and area depending on the level of:
    • Preparation and planning
    • Development 
    • Aid both national and International

Exam Tip

It is useful to reflect on how useful both the hazard management cycle and Park’s model are in understanding hazard impact and response. Try to apply the stages to case studies that you have learned about e.g. following the Haiti earthquake, relief was slow to arrive and even years later, the quality of life has not been restored to normality.

park-model-22

The Park model of human response comparison of developed and developing countries

  • LDE countries tend to be impacted more severely and recover more slowly
  • HDE countries are likely to recover more quickly and provide an improved quality of life for people through mitigation strategies such as aseismic designs and hazard warning systems 

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    Rhiannon Molyneux

    Author: Rhiannon Molyneux

    Rhiannon graduated from Oxford University with a BA in Geography before training as a teacher. She is enthusiastic about her subject and enjoys supporting students to reach their full potential. She has now been teaching for over 15 years, more recently specialising at A level. Rhiannon has many years of experience working as an examiner for GCSE, IGCSE and A level Geography, so she knows how to help students achieve exam success.