Natural Hazards (AQA GCSE Geography)

Definition of a Natural Hazard

Natural hazards

• A hazard is an event which has the potential to cause harm to the environment, people or the economy

• A natural hazard is an event caused by environmental processes and would occur without the presence of humans

  • The term hazard is used because of the potential impact when the natural event interacts with humans

• A disaster occurs when harm actually occurs to the environment, people or the economy

Types of Natural Hazard

• Natural hazards can be categorised by their causes

Factors Affecting Hazard Risk

Hazard risk

• Hazard risk is the chance that an area or population will be affected by a natural hazard

• There are a number of factors which affect the level of hazard risk:

  • Population: As the world population increases, more people live in areas which are vulnerable to natural hazards

  • Urbanisation and population density: Urban areas are more densely populated, increasing the numbers of people at risk

  • Frequency and magnitude: How often a hazard event occurs as well as the size and strength of the event

  • Level of development: High Income Countries (HICs) are more prepared and are more able to cope with the effects than Low Income Countries (LICs) and Newly Emerging Economies (NEEs)

  • Prediction: Some hazards such as earthquakes are impossible to predict and so people have no warning

  • Human activities: Some human activity such as deforestation and urbanisation increase the level of hazard risk