Nature, forms and potential impacts of natural hazards: geophysical, atmospheric and hydrological
A natural hazard is a naturally occurring event that threatens people or the built environment. Geographers group natural hazards into three types: geophysical (e.g. earthquakes), atmospheric (e.g. tropical storms), and hydrological (e.g. floods).
Real World
The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake off Japan triggered a tsunami that killed nearly 16,000 people — demonstrating how a geophysical hazard can cascade into a hydrological one, multiplying its impact.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between hazard type and impact type; earthquakes are geophysical even when their primary impact is flooding via tsunami.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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