Climatic Hazards

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The Great Storm of ’87

The great storm of 1987 was a low-pressure storm that passed over Britain in the early hours of the morning on the 16th of October 1987. It is an excellent example of climatic hazards. It formed over the Bay of Biscay when a warm front of air from Africa met a cold front from the north Atlantic. There was great controversy over the build-up of the storm as no warnings were sent out to the British people until the day before. The Great Storm of 1987 was infamous for being the worst storm Britain has ever experienced since the Great Storm of 1703.

On the night of the 15th, the storm hit Cornwall first from the southwest, causing substantial damage. It was believed to have uprooted 14 million trees during its travels over Britain. Trees that fell over roads, telephone wires, and electricity cables led to communication problems. After the storm, the timber industry was also severely affected due to a huge fluctuation in prices because the fallen trees were sold as timber.

Summary

  • Date: 15t–16th October 1987
  • Deaths: 21 people from Britain (18) and France (3)
  • Effects: Power Loss, 14 million trees uprooted, General Disruption to daily life
  • Recovery Time: Reasonably quick

Damage from the Great Storm of 1987 is evidence of climatic hazards

Climatic Hazards: The Drought of ’76

The 1976 drought, also known as the 1976 British Isles heat wave, brought not only high temperatures but also a prolonged period of very little rain. It caught the people of Britain by surprise as there hadn’t been a drought for a few decades. These dry, hot conditions caused major problems. For example, in St. Ives, 250 acres of woodland were burnt; luckily no injuries were caused as 250 people were evacuated to a nearby hospital. The longest reported time without rainfall was 45 days in Milton Abbas, Dorset.

Summary

  • Date: 22nd of June–16th July 1976 (temperatures reached 26°C)
  • Deaths: n/a
  • Effects: Rising food and water prices, water shortage
  • Recovery Time: Quick
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:June1976.png

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina, a large Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, was among the strongest and deadliest hurricanes to have ever hit the United States. It formed over the Gulf of Mexico before travelling northeast. It then travelled over Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. Reaching very warm waters, it ‘re-charged’ or gained more energy. It then travelled northwards over Louisiana and Houston. New Orleans was very badly struck, mainly because of the artificial river levies.

Summary

  • Date: 23rd–30th of August 2005
  • Deaths: 1,836 people
  • Damage: $81.2 billion
  • Effects: Major flooding, many homeless, very little food and water supplies
  • Recovery Time: Average (not as fast as was expected from the USA)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Katrina_2005-08-28_1845Z.png
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hurricane-Katrina-Buras-Louisiana-watertower-EPA.jpg

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are climatic hazards?

Climatic hazards refer to extreme weather events or natural disasters that are primarily caused by climate-related factors. These hazards include phenomena such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, heat waves, and wildfires.

What are the impacts of climatic hazards?

Climatic hazards can have significant impacts on both human and natural systems. They can cause loss of life, displacement of populations, damage to infrastructure, disruption of essential services, and destruction of ecosystems. Additionally, climatic hazards can result in economic losses, food and water shortages, increased vulnerability to diseases, and long-term environmental degradation.

How are climatic hazards influenced by climate change?

Climate change can influence the frequency, intensity, and patterns of climatic hazards. Rising global temperatures contribute to the increased frequency and severity of heat waves. Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to more intense rainfall events and prolonged droughts. Climate change can also affect the behaviour of hurricanes, causing them to become more powerful and destructive. Overall, climate change exacerbates the risks and impacts associated with climatic hazards.

What are some strategies for mitigating the impacts of climatic hazards?

Mitigating the impacts of climatic hazards involves a combination of preventive measures and emergency preparedness. Some strategies include:

  • Implementing early warning systems and emergency response plans to reduce vulnerability and improve preparedness.
  • Developing and enforcing building codes and regulations that enhance the resilience of infrastructure to withstand climatic hazards.
  • Implementing land-use planning measures that consider the risks associated with climatic hazards and promote sustainable development.
  • Investing in climate adaptation measures, such as flood protection infrastructure, water management systems, and drought-resistant agricultural practices.
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change to mitigate the long-term risks associated with climatic hazards.

How can individuals contribute to resilience against climatic hazards?

Individuals can play a role in building resilience against climatic hazards through:

  • Raising awareness about climatic hazards and climate change among their communities.
  • Adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as conserving water, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste.
  • Taking personal precautions and following safety guidelines during extreme weather events.
  • Supporting local initiatives and organizations focused on climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
  • Advocating for policies and actions that address climate change and promote resilience at local, national, and international levels.

Cite/Link to This Article

  • "Climatic Hazards". Geography Revision. Accessed on March 28, 2024. https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/weather-climate/climatic-hazards/.

  • "Climatic Hazards". Geography Revision, https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/weather-climate/climatic-hazards/. Accessed 28 March, 2024.

  • Climatic Hazards. Geography Revision. Retrieved from https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/weather-climate/climatic-hazards/.