Hazardous Environments

Topic 3: Hazardous environments – the characteristics and distribution of different types of natural hazard, the measurement and impacts of hazards and detailed case studies of the management of a tropical cyclone in a developed and a developing or emerging country. 

Key Ideas	Detailed Content
3.1 Some places are more hazardous than others	a)  Characteristics and distribution of different types of natural hazard (tropical cyclones and tectonic). (1) b)  Causes of tropical cyclone hazards, including ocean temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind shear and Coriolis force. (2) c)  Causes of volcanic and earthquake hazards, including plate boundaries, hotspots and tsunamis.
3.2 Hazards have an impact on people and the environment	a)  Measurement of tropical cyclones (Saffir-Simpson scale), earthquakes (Mercalli and moment magnitude scale) and volcanic eruptions (Volcanic Explosivity Index). b)  Primary and secondary impacts of one named tropical cyclone. (3) c)  Reasons why people continue to live in hazardous environments.

Case studies of hazard management for a volcano or earthquake in a developed country and a developing country or an emerging country.

Key Ideas

Detailed Content

3.3 Tropical cyclones present a hazard to many people and need to be managed carefully

a)  Some countries are more vulnerable (physically, socially and economically) than others to the impacts of tropical cyclones. b)  Prediction and preparation for tropical cyclones (warning and evacuation, building design, storm tracking, remote sensing). (4) c)  Short-term relief (emergency aid, shelter and supplies) and long-term planning (risk assessment, hazard mapping and rebuilding programmes). (5)

Integrated skills

(1) Use world maps to show the distribution of different hazards.

(2) Use weather and storm surge data to calculate Saffir-Simpson magnitude.

(3) Use social media sources, satellite images and socio-economic data to assess impact.

(4) Use maps (paper or online) to track the movement of tropical cyclones.

(5) Use hazard maps (using land-use planning or zoning).