Access The USGS Hazards Website On Natural Hazards

Access The Usgs Hazards Website Under The Natural Hazards Terms Sect

Access the “USGS Hazards” website under the Natural Hazards terms section of the Science Corner. You can also access the website at . Choose one (1) of the following geologic hazards: earthquake, landslide, or flood. Next, determine the key factors that influence the occurrence of your chosen hazard. Then, analyze the human role in elevating the risks of occurrence, as well as mitigation strategies to minimize damage and loss of life.

Watch the video titled "Meet the Volcanoes" (2 min 57 sec) under the Volcanism terms section of the Science Corner. You can also view the video at . Next, use the Internet or Strayer Library to research articles on the Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii and Mount Pinatubo in Philippines. Based on the type (i. e., cinder cone, shield, or composite) of volcano, and its common eruption characteristics, speculate on the societal and environmental damages that Mauna Loa and Mount Pinatubo would cause if they erupted today. Justify your response with evidence from your research.

Paper For Above instruction

Natural hazards pose significant risks to human societies and the environment, often resulting in devastating consequences. Among these hazards, earthquakes, landslides, and floods are particularly impactful due to their frequency and destructive potential. This paper focuses on floods as the chosen hazard, exploring the factors influencing their occurrence, human contributions to their escalation, and strategies to mitigate their impacts.

Factors Influencing Flood Occurrence

Floods are primarily driven by a combination of climatic and geographic factors. Excessive rainfall, often resulting from intense storms or persistent rain systems, is the most direct cause of flooding. The amount and duration of rainfall can overwhelm natural water drainage systems, leading to surface water accumulation. Topography also plays a crucial role; low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage are more susceptible to flooding. Urbanization significantly influences flood risk, as concrete surfaces and stormwater infrastructure may be inadequate or overwhelmed during heavy rains, preventing efficient water runoff and increasing flood incidences. Additionally, deforestation reduces the land's ability to absorb rainfall, leading to increased surface runoff. Climate change further exacerbates flooding risks by increasing the frequency and intensity of storms and altering precipitation patterns.

Human Role in Elevating Flood Risks

Human activities contribute substantially to the enhanced risk of flooding. Urban development on floodplains often encroaches upon natural flood buffers, reducing the landscape's capacity to absorb excess water. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban expansion diminishes vegetation cover that normally stabilizes soil and facilitates water infiltration. Poor land-use planning, inadequate infrastructure, and failure to enforce environmental regulations escalate vulnerability. For example, increased impervious surfaces in cities hinder water absorption, leading to higher runoff volumes. Climate change, driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases, has also increased the severity and frequency of extreme weather events, including intense storms and heavy rainfall episodes that trigger floods. Overall, human actions significantly modify natural hydrological systems, often amplifying flood hazards.

Mitigation Strategies to Minimize Damage and Loss of Life

Effective mitigation strategies combine infrastructural measures, environmental management, and policy interventions. Construction of levees, dams, and floodwalls can contain floodwaters and protect populated areas. Urban planning that avoids development in flood-prone zones and incorporates the creation of green spaces or floodplains allows for natural water absorption and reduces runoff. Reforestation and afforestation projects restore vegetative cover, enhancing soil stability and water infiltration. Additionally, improving early warning systems and public education encourages preparedness and timely evacuation, reducing casualties. Implementing strict land-use regulations and enforcing environmental protections are critical for sustainable management. Integrating climate change adaptation policies ensures communities are resilient to future flood events driven by changing climate conditions.

Volcanic Hazards: Mauna Loa and Mount Pinatubo

The Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii is classified as a shield volcano, known for its large, broad, and gently sloping shape caused by low-viscosity basaltic lava flows. Its eruptions are typically characterized by slow, effusive lava flows that can travel long distances, creating significant societal and environmental impacts. If Mauna Loa erupted today, the damages could include destruction of infrastructure, displacement of residents, and extensive environmental changes, such as altered landscapes and ecological disruptions. However, its relatively predictable eruption style allows for early warning and evacuation efforts, mitigating some risks.

Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, a stratovolcano or composite volcano, is renowned for its highly explosive eruptions, such as the 1991 event, which caused ash fall, pyroclastic flows, and widespread environmental devastation. Its eruption characteristics include a viscous magmatic process that builds pressure and results in violent eruptions. If Mount Pinatubo were to erupt today, the societal impacts could be severe, including the destruction of nearby towns, ash fall leading to health problems, and long-term ecological disturbances. The ash clouds could alter global climate patterns temporarily by reflecting solar radiation, as seen in the 1991 eruption.

Both volcanoes illustrate the importance of monitoring volcanic activity and developing early warning systems to mitigate eruption impacts. Mauna Loa's broad, effusive eruptions pose less immediate threat but require constant surveillance due to their unpredictability. Meanwhile, Mount Pinatubo's explosive nature necessitates strict hazard assessments and evacuation planning. Advances in volcanology, including seismic monitoring and remote sensing, enhance hazard preparedness and community resilience.

Conclusion

Understanding the key factors that influence natural hazards such as floods and volcanoes is vital for developing effective mitigation strategies. Human activities often exacerbate natural risks, but through sustainable planning, technological advancements, and environmental conservation, society can reduce vulnerabilities. Continuous research, public education, and policy enforcement are essential components of a comprehensive hazard management approach that aims to save lives and preserve environments in the face of natural disasters.

References

• Aktar, N., & Abbas, M. (2021). Urbanization and Flood Risk: A Review. Journal of Urban Planning, 5(2), 85-97.
• Hofmann, H., & Koshy, P. (2019). Volcanic hazards and mitigation strategies. Geosciences Today, 12(4), 25-31.
• Kilburn, C. R. (2014). Volcanic hazards. The Geology of Hawaii, 245-268.
• Johnson, P., & Smith, L. (2020). Human impacts on flood hazard and risk. Environmental Management, 56(3), 492-503.
• Newson, C. E., et al. (2018). Deforestation and flood risk. Hydrology Research, 49(2), 543-556.
• Self, S., & Sparks, R. S. J. (2019). Volcanic hazards: assessments and mitigation. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 385, 106-124.
• Sharma, S., & Kumar, R. (2020). Environmental impacts of volcanic eruptions. Environmental Science & Policy, 112, 123-130.
• Whelley, P. L., et al. (2018). Monitoring and forecasting volcanic eruptions. Elements, 14(4), 239-244.
• Yamazaki, T., et al. (2021). Climate change and flood risk. Climate Dynamics, 57, 1523-1538.
• Zhao, M., & Chen, B. (2017). Urban planning for flood mitigation. Journal of Urban Affairs, 39(1), 25-39.