Hazards and Disasters: Causes, Impacts, and Management

Question 1

Earthquakes tend to occur in specific regions of the world. What is the primary reason for this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes occur primarily at plate boundaries, where tectonic plates interact.

Answer

Earthquakes occur randomly across the globe.

Answer

Earthquakes are more common in densely populated areas.

Answer

The magnitude of an earthquake decreases as the distance from the epicenter increases.

Question 2

Which factor does NOT directly influence a population's vulnerability to natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Availability of international aid and support

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Access to hazard information and warnings

Answer

Level of urbanization and population density

Question 3

Which of the following factors does NOT directly affect the physical severity of an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

Population density

Answer

Epicenter depth

Answer

Magnitude

Answer

Ground conditions

Question 4

When evaluating the severity of a volcanic eruption, which factor is not relevant?

Accepted Answer

Distance from the equator

Answer

Magma composition

Answer

Gas content

Answer

Tectonic setting

Question 5

Which factor does NOT play a major role in determining the global distribution of volcanic hazards?

Accepted Answer

Weather patterns

Answer

Plate boundaries

Answer

Tectonic setting

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a type of subduction zone?

Accepted Answer

Continental-continental

Answer

Oceanic-continental

Answer

Intra-oceanic

Answer

Oblique-convergent

Question 7

Earthquakes can result in a substantial number of fatalities. What is the primary cause of these deaths?

Accepted Answer

Direct ground shaking

Answer

Liquefaction

Answer

Tsunamis

Answer

Disease outbreaks

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor determining a community's vulnerability to natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Religious beliefs of the community

Answer

Socioeconomic status of the community

Answer

Proximity to hazard-prone areas

Answer

Type and frequency of the hazard

Question 9

What are the two KEY steps in assessing the risk of natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Determining how often hazards occur and how severe they are

Accepted Answer

Analysing how susceptible communities are to hazard impacts

Answer

Creating plans to reduce the impact of any possible hazard

Answer

Practicing emergency responses for all potential hazard events

Question 10

Which flood management strategy is designed to lessen the impact of floodwaters on existing buildings and infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Construction of floodwalls, levees, and embankments

Answer

Public awareness campaigns and education

Answer

Land-use planning and regulation

Answer

Floodplain restoration and wetland conservation

Question 11

Which of these is NOT a typical impact of tropical storms and hurricanes?

Accepted Answer

Blizzards

Answer

Storm surge

Answer

Tornadoes

Answer

Heavy rainfall

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a direct cause of an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

Volcanic eruptions

Answer

Tectonic plate movement

Answer

Accumulation and release of stress

Question 13

Which factor is NOT directly involved in triggering a landslide?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation

Answer

Intense rainfall

Answer

Steep slopes

Answer

Earthquakes

Question 14

Which factor increases the vulnerability of communities to landslides?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation and removal of vegetation cover

Answer

Stable and well-maintained infrastructure

Answer

Presence of natural vegetation and forests

Answer

Proper land use planning and management

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a type of natural hazard covered in the syllabus?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation

Answer

Floods

Answer

Earthquakes

Question 16

Which flood management strategy focuses on preventing water accumulation in vulnerable areas?

Accepted Answer

Implementing land use regulations to restrict development in floodplains

Answer

Dredging rivers to increase their capacity

Answer

Building dams to store excess water

Answer

Constructing levees to protect vulnerable communities

Question 17

Which of these factors does NOT affect the intensity and destructiveness of a volcanic eruption?

Accepted Answer

Plate tectonics

Answer

Magma viscosity

Answer

Gas content

Answer

Eruption style

Question 18

Which factor is NOT directly considered when assessing the risks associated with natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Availability of resources and political support for disaster preparedness and response

Answer

Identifying and mapping potential hazards

Answer

Evaluating the vulnerability of populations and infrastructure

Answer

Estimating the probability and severity of future hazard events

Question 19

What is the term for the rapid downward movement of a large amount of loose material down a slope?

Accepted Answer

Mudslide

Answer

Erosion

Answer

Weathering

Answer

Escarpment

Question 20

In the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, what is the primary objective of humanitarian aid?

Accepted Answer

Address the immediate life-sustaining needs of survivors, such as food, clean water, shelter, and medical care.

Answer

Provide long-term economic support and facilitate recovery in affected regions.

Answer

Prioritize reconstruction and restore infrastructure in affected areas.

Answer

Conduct scientific research and analyze the causes and impacts of natural disasters.

Question 21

What is the main priority of humanitarian aid organizations immediately following a natural disaster?

Accepted Answer

Distributing essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid

Answer

Providing permanent housing for affected communities

Answer

Assessing environmental impact to reduce future risks

Answer

Establishing disaster preparedness programs for future events

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a natural event that can cause widespread damage and disruption?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation

Answer

Earthquakes

Answer

Volcanic eruptions

Answer

Hurricanes

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a primary cause of tsunamis?

Accepted Answer

High waves associated with hurricanes

Answer

Underwater earthquakes

Answer

Landslides occurring beneath the ocean

Answer

Volcanic eruptions within the ocean

Question 24

Which landform is not formed by flooding processes?

Accepted Answer

Canyons

Answer

Levees

Answer

Floodplains

Question 25

Which factor below is most likely to cause drought conditions?

Accepted Answer

Low rainfall

Answer

High humidity

Answer

Strong winds

Answer

Frequent cloud cover

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor that can trigger a landslide?

Accepted Answer

High vegetation cover

Answer

Steep slopes

Answer

Groundwater saturation

Answer

Heavy rainfall

Question 27

Which factor does NOT increase a population's vulnerability to natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Long-term political stability

Answer

Low economic development

Answer

High population density

Answer

Limited access to healthcare and education

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can increase the likelihood of a volcanic eruption?

Accepted Answer

Low levels of rainfall

Answer

High levels of magma

Answer

Steep slopes

Answer

Human activity

Question 29

How has natural hazard management evolved over time? Discuss the key changes in scientific understanding, technological advancements, and societal responses.

Accepted Answer

The focus of natural hazard management has shifted from disaster response to disaster prevention.

Answer

Natural hazard management has remained largely unchanged throughout history.

Answer

Technological advancements have had a minimal impact on the development of natural hazard management.

Question 30

How does technology enhance our understanding of natural hazards and their impacts?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced data collection enables more precise hazard forecasting and early warning systems.

Answer

Technology plays no role in hazard monitoring and prediction.

Answer

Technology is solely applicable to post-disaster response and recovery efforts.

Question 31

In disaster management, ethical challenges arise when allocating limited resources. Which principle should guide decision-making to ensure fairness?

Accepted Answer

Distributing resources based on need and fairness

Answer

Prioritizing those who arrive first

Answer

Allocating resources randomly

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT classified as a natural hazard?

Accepted Answer

Traffic congestion

Answer

Earthquake

Answer

Tornado

Answer

Flood

Question 33

What is the primary cause of volcanic eruptions?

Accepted Answer

Plate tectonics

Answer

Weather patterns

Answer

Solar flares

Answer

Water erosion

Question 34

How do hazards differ from disasters?

Accepted Answer

A hazard is a potential threat, while a disaster has already occurred

Answer

A disaster is a large-scale hazard, while a hazard is a small-scale event

Answer

There is no difference between a hazard and a disaster

Answer

A hazard is caused by humans, while a disaster is caused by natural processes

Question 35

How do geophysical hazards differ from hydrometeorological hazards?

Accepted Answer

Geophysical hazards originate from the Earth's crust, while hydrometeorological hazards arise from the atmosphere and hydrosphere

Answer

Hydrometeorological hazards originate from the Earth's crust, while geophysical hazards arise from the atmosphere and hydrosphere

Answer

There is no distinction between geophysical and hydrometeorological hazards

Answer

Geophysical hazards are larger in scale than hydrometeorological hazards

Question 36

After a disaster, which principles are most important for fair and sustainable recovery and rebuilding?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring transparency and community involvement

Answer

Prioritizing speed and efficiency

Answer

Focusing mainly on economic growth

Question 37

Natural disasters can have significant psychological impacts on survivors. Discuss strategies that can be implemented to support the mental health and well-being of affected communities.

Accepted Answer

Provide access to counseling and therapy.

Accepted Answer

Establish community support groups.

Answer

Prioritize infrastructure and economic recovery.

Question 38

Which approach to disaster education and public awareness campaigns is considered most effective in reaching and engaging target audiences?

Accepted Answer

Tailoring messages to specific audiences based on their vulnerabilities and unique needs

Answer

Using a single communication channel to disseminate information to all audiences

Answer

Focusing solely on providing technical information about hazards and disasters

Answer

Releasing information only during or immediately after a disaster event

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT a natural hazard?

Accepted Answer

Inflation

Answer

Earthquakes

Answer

Floods

Answer

Droughts

Question 40

What is the primary cause of tsunamis?

Accepted Answer

Underwater earthquakes

Answer

Landslides

Answer

Extreme winds

Answer

Volcanic eruptions

Question 41

What is the most effective long-term strategy to reduce the risk of natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Implementing land-use regulations

Answer

Building protective structures

Answer

Educating the public about hazard risks

Answer

Evacuating people from hazard-prone areas

Question 42

The Richter scale measures the:

Accepted Answer

Magnitude of an earthquake

Answer

Duration of an earthquake

Answer

Frequency of an earthquake

Answer

Intensity of an earthquake felt on the ground

Question 43

Which type of natural hazard is caused by the sudden movement of a large volume of water?

Accepted Answer

Flood

Answer

Earthquake

Answer

Volcanic eruption

Answer

Landslide

Question 44

What is the primary cause of tsunamis?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes

Answer

Underwater volcanic eruptions

Answer

Hurricanes

Answer

Landslides

Question 45

Which of the following is an example of a structural measure to minimize the impact of flooding?

Accepted Answer

Building flood walls

Answer

Educating the public about flood risks

Answer

Providing financial assistance to flood victims

Answer

Planting trees to absorb excess water

Question 46

Which of the following factors does NOT directly contribute to the increasing frequency and severity of natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Human activities such as deforestation and urbanization

Answer

Geological processes like plate tectonics

Question 47

What is the fundamental distinction between a natural hazard and a disaster?

Accepted Answer

A hazard refers to an event with the potential to cause harm, while a disaster is the actual occurrence of significant damage or loss.

Answer

A hazard is a sudden event, whereas a disaster unfolds over a more extended period.

Answer

A hazard affects unpopulated areas, while a disaster occurs in populated regions.

Answer

There is no distinction between a natural hazard and a disaster.

Question 48

Evaluate the effectiveness of community-based disaster management approaches, considering their strengths and challenges in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Accepted Answer

Community-based disaster management approaches are often constrained by funding and resource limitations.

Accepted Answer

Community-based disaster management approaches empower communities to take ownership of disaster management, fostering a sense of responsibility for resilience.

Answer

Community-based approaches can be effective only in small, close-knit communities with strong social cohesion.

Answer

Community-based disaster management approaches are always superior to top-down approaches.

Question 49

What is the term used to describe the sudden release of energy beneath the Earth's surface that causes the ground to shake?

Accepted Answer

Earthquake

Answer

Volcanic eruption

Answer

Landslide

Answer

Hurricane

Question 50

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the severity of an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

Current weather conditions

Answer

Magnitude of the earthquake

Answer

Location of the epicenter

Answer

Type of soil in the area

Question 51

Which type of volcanic eruption is characterized by violent explosions and the emission of ash and pumice?

Accepted Answer

Vulcanian

Answer

Hawaiian

Answer

Strombolian

Answer

Pelean

Question 52

What is the name of the instrument used to measure seismic waves?

Accepted Answer

Seismograph

Answer

Anemometer

Answer

Barometer

Answer

Thermometer

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for mitigating the risk of natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Adapting to climate change

Answer

Installing early warning systems

Answer

Implementing land use planning regulations

Answer

Enforcing building codes

Question 54

What is the term for the process of evaluating and reducing the risk associated with natural hazards?

Accepted Answer

Risk management

Answer

Hazard assessment

Answer

Disaster preparedness

Answer

Emergency response

Question 55

Identify the factor that does NOT influence vulnerability to natural hazards:

Accepted Answer

Economic stability and wealth

Answer

Socioeconomic inequality

Answer

Development and quality of infrastructure

Answer

Geographical location and environmental factors

Question 56

Which volcanic eruption type is characterized by extreme explosivity and violence?

Accepted Answer

Pelean

Answer

Hawaiian

Answer

Strombolian

Answer

Vulcanian

Question 57

Identify an example of a non-structural mitigation measure for natural hazards:

Accepted Answer

Early warning systems and public education campaigns

Answer

Building codes and construction standards

Answer

Earthquake-resistant building designs

Answer

Flood barriers and levees

Question 58

Which sustainable development strategy can contribute to reducing disaster risk?

Accepted Answer

Reforestation and ecosystem restoration

Answer

Rapid urbanization and industrial expansion

Answer

Deforestation and conversion of natural habitats

Answer

Uncontrolled population growth

Question 59

The primary objective of disaster management is to:

Accepted Answer

Minimize the risks and impacts of natural disasters

Answer

Prevent all natural disasters from occurring

Answer

Eliminate the root causes of natural disasters

Answer

Punish individuals responsible for causing natural disasters

Question 60

Which of the following is a fundamental principle in disaster management aimed at building societies' ability to withstand and recover from hazards?

Accepted Answer

Resilience

Answer

Response

Answer

Mitigation

Answer

Recovery

Question 61

Which of the following is a direct physical consequence of an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

Ground shaking

Answer

Economic loss

Answer

Psychological trauma

Answer

Displacement of population

Question 62

How does deforestation contribute to disaster risk?

Accepted Answer

Increased soil erosion

Answer

Enhanced biodiversity

Answer

Decreased precipitation

Answer

Improved air quality

Question 63

What characterizes a megadisaster?

Accepted Answer

Widespread impact affecting multiple countries or regions

Answer

Relatively small death toll

Answer

Occasional occurrence

Answer

Easily predictable

Question 64

What is a limitation of relying solely on historical data for disaster planning?

Accepted Answer

It may not accurately reflect future risks due to changing environmental and societal conditions

Answer

It can help identify patterns and trends

Answer

It provides a comprehensive overview of past events

Answer

It is easily accessible and reliable