Natural hazards.
Sample Solution
Natural hazard: A natural hazard is a natural process that can cause damage to property and infrastructure, or loss of life. Natural hazards include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires.
Technological hazard: A technological hazard is a hazard that is caused by human activity. Technological hazards include industrial accidents, nuclear accidents, and oil spills.
Full Answer Section
The main difference between natural hazards and technological hazards is that natural hazards are caused by natural processes, while technological hazards are caused by human activity. Natural hazards are often more unpredictable than technological hazards, and they can be more difficult to mitigate.
Here are some examples of natural hazards:
- Earthquakes: Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust. They can cause shaking and ground rupture, which can damage buildings and infrastructure.
- Floods: Floods are caused by excessive rainfall or snowmelt. They can inundate areas, causing damage to property and infrastructure.
- Hurricanes: Hurricanes are large, rotating storms that form over warm ocean waters. They can produce high winds, heavy rain, and storm surge, which can cause widespread damage.
- Tsunamis: Tsunamis are large waves that are caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. They can travel long distances and cause extensive damage when they reach land.
- Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic eruptions are caused by the release of molten rock, ash, and gases from a volcano. They can cause damage to property and infrastructure, and they can also pollute the air and water.
- Wildfires: Wildfires are caused by the uncontrolled burning of vegetation. They can spread rapidly and cause extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
Here are some examples of technological hazards:
- Industrial accidents: Industrial accidents are caused by failures in industrial equipment or processes. They can release hazardous materials into the environment, or they can cause explosions or fires.
- Nuclear accidents: Nuclear accidents are caused by failures in nuclear power plants or other nuclear facilities. They can release radioactive materials into the environment, which can cause serious health problems.
- Oil spills: Oil spills are caused by the release of oil from tankers, pipelines, or other oil facilities. They can pollute the environment and damage marine life.
The nature of each class of hazard can vary depending on the specific hazard. For example, some natural hazards, such as earthquakes, are sudden and unpredictable, while others, such as floods, can be more gradual and predictable. Technological hazards can also vary in their nature. Some, such as industrial accidents, can be relatively small and localized, while others, such as nuclear accidents, can be much larger and have a more widespread impact.
The citizenry of a community might find a natural or technological hazard to be more frightening depending on a number of factors, such as their personal experiences, their knowledge of the hazard, and the perceived level of risk. In general, natural hazards are often seen as being more frightening than technological hazards, because they are seen as being more uncontrollable and unpredictable. However, technological hazards can also be very frightening, especially if they are seen as being the result of human negligence or incompetence.