NATURAL HAZARDS A brief introduction to physical processes for Key Stage 3 Geography

WHAT IS A NATURAL HAZARD RISK ? A hazard risk is present when people live in places where threatening natural events take place What are the main types of NATURAL EVENT that put people in danger?

WHAT’S THE HAZARD RISK HERE? Volcanoes can kill when they explode Lava, pyroclastic flows, hot ash and poison gases People often live near volcanoes due to fertile soils found there Creating a hazard risk in populated volcanic areas like South America’s west coast

WHAT’S THE HAZARD RISK HERE? Hurricanes can kill when strong winds destroy buildings and blow down trees and structures Hurricanes often develop offshore in warm ocean areas People like to live in warm ocean areas Creating a hazard risk in places like the Caribbean and Florida

WHAT’S THE HAZARD RISK HERE? Floods can kill when a town or city becomes submerged in water, especially in very fast- flowing water People often live near rivers and coasts for reasons of trade and water supply Creating a hazard risk close to major rivers and along coastlines

WHAT’S THE HAZARD RISK HERE? Droughts can kill when water supplies are low, when crops fail, fires start and when temperatures get too high for sick and old people Many parts of the world experience droughts regularly or occasionally Lots of these places – like the Mediterranean and California – are densely populated Creating a hazard risk there

WHAT’S THE HAZARD RISK HERE? Earthquakes can kill when buildings collapse Earthquakes mostly take place close to plate boundaries Many coasts are plate boundaries and people are attracted to coasts Creating a hazard risk in cities like Tokyo and Los Angeles

WHAT OTHER HAZARDS ARE THERE? Here are some clues: Snow Falling rocks Mud ANSWERS: Avalanches Rockfalls Mudslides