HKDSE Geography/M1/Tectonic Hazards

A hazard is a natural event that brings about great casualties and economic loss to an area.

Is it a hazard? A small earthquake bringing no damage is not a hazard as it does not bring damage to humans. A major volcanic eruption in a remote region with no settlements is not a hazard as it does not bring damage to humans.

There are several types of hazards:

• Tectonic hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.
• Biological hazards include locust swarms, epidemics, pandemics...
• Climatic hazards include tropical cyclones, tornadoes, thunderstorms, cold surges, droughts, heat waves...
• Geologic hazards include landslides, mudflows, earthflows, avalanches...

In this chapter, we shall cover tectonic hazards.