View
213
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Lesson 17: Natural Hazards
Flooding near Olympia, WA, Dec 2007
Big Question:
Why Are More Of Them Becoming Disasters and
Catastrophes?
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Case Study: Seattle Landslides
Rob Harrison photo
For more information and photos, see
Landslides in Seattle.
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Fundamental Concepts Related to Natural Hazards•Hazards are predictable.•Links exist between different hazards and between the
physical and biological environment.•Hazards that used to cause mostly disasters are now
producing catastrophes.•Risk from hazards can be estimated.•Harmful effects of hazards can be minimized.
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Nature’s Dual Role: Performing Natural-Service Functions and Posing Hazards
USGS photo
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Natural Hazards Are Predictable
Mapping and monitoring are keys to spotting danger.
Sometimes it is possible to forecast an event and issue a
warning
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Indonesian tsunami of 2004
An Indian Ocean tsunami warning system would have
triggered warnings automatically.
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Linkages Between Hazards and Between the Physical and Biological EnvironmentsHazards may be linked
• Volcanic eruptions often cause landslides.• Mount St. Helens altered landscape and
ecosystems.
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Hazards That Used to Produce Disasters Now Produce Catastrophes
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Hurricane Katrina: One of the WorstNatural Catastrophes in U.S. History
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
The city’s spread into low areas made it vulnerable to
flooding.
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
The Cost of Hurricane Katrina
•Warnings were given, but funds were lacking.•The whole New Orleans area is subsiding.
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Estimating Hazard Risk
•Determine the probability of an event•Estimate the cost of a disaster•Estimate risk - Scientific or mathematical theory and
previous history•Progress in forecasting•Estimate the negative consequences•Determine acceptable risk
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Minimizing Adverse Hazard Effects
Active versus reactive response:
- anticipate hazardous events;
- be proactive; and
- fast response.
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Impact and Recovery from Disasters and CatastrophesHazardous events may affect society directly and
indirectly.
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Perceiving, Avoiding, and Adjusting to Hazards•People believe that bad things happen to others, not to
themselves.•Laws can protect people who disregard hazards.•Land-use planning to avoid hazards.•Obtaining insurance program•Implementing evacuation plan•Minimizing effects with preparation•Control through engineering
Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington
Disasters and Catastrophes in the FutureSignificant increase likely to continue with human
population growth.
Chapter 17: Natural Hazards
Flooding near Olympia, WA, Dec 2007
Questions? E-mail us at [email protected]