The Challenge of Natural Hazards Key Terms (2)

The effect of an event on the landscape and ecology of the surrounding area.

A natural hazard caused by movement of tectonic plates (including volcanoes and earthquakes).

An area of low pressure with winds moving in a spiral around the calm central point.

The effect of an event on the wealth of an area or community.

Later reactions that occur in the weeks, months and years after the event.

Techniques of controlling, responding to, or dealing with an event.

The reaction of people as the disaster happens and in the immediate aftermath.

The effect of an event on the lives of people or community.

This is when a weather event is significantly different from the average.

The after-effects that occur as indirect impacts of a natural event, e.g. fires from gas mains

The worldwide system of winds, which transports heat from tropical to polar latitudes.

Actions taken before a hazard strikes to reduce its impact, e.g. educating people.

An opening in the Earth’s crust from which lava, ash and gases erupt.

A rigid segment of the Earth’s crust which can ‘float’ across semi- molten rock below.

Recording physical changes, to help forecast when and where a natural hazard might strike.