Q4 8.1 Natural Hazard Maps

Natural Hazards

Geological Hazards

Weather Hazards

Tornado

Hurricane

Earthquake

Tsunami

Wildfire

Flood

Volcanic Eruption

Landslide

Landslides/Rockslides

Mitigation Techniques

Barriers & Netting: Install barriers, fences, or wire mesh to catch falling rocks before they reach roads or buildingsAnchors: Install anchors to stabilize the slope. Plant Vegetation: Plant trees and plants that will grow roots to stabilize the slope.

Image sources: stormwater.com, keller-na.com, and wfca.com

Location

How They Are Caused

Map Source: hazards.fema.gov

Landslides occur in mountainous and hilly areas.

Hurricanes

Mitigation Techniques

Hurricane Tracking Systems: Use satellites, radar, and weather models to predict hurricane paths.Reinforced Buildings: Use materials designed to withstand high winds and flying debris such as concrete, steel, impact-resistant windows and metal roofs.

Image sources: nesdis.noaa.gov and pella.com

Location

How They Are Caused

Map Source: hazards.fema.gov

Hurricanes are most common in coastal areas near the equator.

Floods

Mitigation Techniques

Elevated Buildings: Raise homes and buildings on stilts or elevated foundations.Flood Barriers: Create barriers to prevent floodwaters from entering into an area. Drainage Systems: Designed to direct water away from properties and into designated areas.

Image sources: truegridpaver.com and elevatedmodular.com

Location

How They Are Caused

Map Source: hazards.fema.gov

Flooding most commonly occurs in low-lying areas near coasts, lakes, and rivers.

Tsunamis

Mitigation Techniques

Tsunami Detection Buoys: Install ocean sensors and deep-sea buoys to detect changes in water level and seismic activity.Seawalls: Build protective water barriers along coastlines.

Image source: bom.gov.au

Location

How They Are Caused

Map Source: hazards.fema.gov

Tsunamis most commonly occur in coastal areas near tectonic plate boundaries.

Tornados

Mitigation Techniques

Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters: Build underground shelters or reinforces rooms to protect against high winds.Reinforced Buildings: Use materials designed to withstand high winds and flying debris such as concrete, steel, impact-resistant windows and metal roofs.

Image sources: buildblock.com and greenmetal.ca

Metal Roof

Location

How They Are Caused

Map Source: hazards.fema.gov

Tornados are most common in flat areas where cold air masses and warm air masses can meet.

Volcanic Eruptions

Mitigation Techniques

Gas Emission Monitors: Measures gases like sulfur dioxide to detect rising magma.Lava Barriers and Diversion Channels: Redirect lava flow away from populated areas.

Image sources: https://news.climate.columbia.edu and USGS.gov

Location

How They Are Caused

Map Source: hazards.fema.gov

Volcanoes are frequently located on colliding or separating plate tectonic boundaries.

Wildfires

Mitigation Techniques

Controlled Burns: A fire is controlled to burn away flammable vegetation so it cannot be used to fuel a wildfire.Fire Resistant Buildings: Use non-flammable roofing, siding, and decks to prevent buildings from catching fire.Firebreaks: Clear dry grass, dead trees, and flammable debris from around properties.

Image sources:wfca.com and nps.gov

Location

How They Are Caused

Map Source: hazards.fema.gov

Wilfires are most common in warm, dry conditions.

Earthquakes

Mitigation Techniques

Seismic Monitoring: Use sensors to detect earthquakes.Seismic Base Isolation: Install rubber and steel layers under buildings to absorb seismic waves.

Image sources: nwtgeoscience.ca and interestingengineering.com

Seismic Monitor

Location

How They Are Caused

Map Source: hazards.fema.gov

Earthquakes usually occur along tectonic plate boundaries or faults.