1.4.1

Disaster Trends

Test yourself

Mega-Disasters

Some disasters can be classed as mega-disasters. These are high magnitude, high impact, infrequent disasters that affect several countries directly or indirectly.

Illustrative background for The HimalayasIllustrative background for The Himalayas ?? "content

The Himalayas

  • Some very large tectonic disasters have taken place in the collision zone of the Himalayas. These include:
    • Kashmir (2005), Sichuan (2008) and Nepal (2015).
  • These three events account for 40% of earthquake deaths since 2005.
Illustrative background for Other tectonic mega-disastersIllustrative background for Other tectonic mega-disasters ?? "content

Other tectonic mega-disasters

  • Major earthquake events also took place in Banda Aceh (2004) and Haiti (2010) killing over 200,000 people each.
  • The Tohoku (Japan) earthquake and tsunami in 2011 had worldwide economic impacts.
  • The Eyjafjallajokull (Iceland) eruption in 2010 also had a global impact both socially and economically. The ash cloud from the eruption disrupted flights all over the world.

Multiple Hazard Zones

Tectonic disasters may form part of wider multi-hazardous zones (where two or more hazards occur) which may involve hydro-meteorological hazards.

Illustrative background for CharacteristicsIllustrative background for Characteristics ?? "content

Characteristics

  • Multiple hazard zones are usually:
    • Geologically young with unstable mountain zones prone to landslides.
    • Tectonically active, which means that earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common.
    • Often on major storm tracks either in the mid-latitudes or on tropical cyclone tracks.
    • At risk from global climate perturbations such as ENSO.
Illustrative background for ENSOIllustrative background for ENSO ?? "content

ENSO

  • The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a warm ocean current that replaces the usual cold current off the Pacific coast of South America.
  • It brings heavier rain than usual on the coast, and drought inland.
  • It also affects climates further afield such as California and the Philippines.
  • When other hazards occur in ENSO years, their effects could be multiplied.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson