Hazard Models (AQA A Level Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Rhiannon Molyneux
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
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
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
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
Examiner Tips and Tricks
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.
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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