The Natural Hazards Quiz: Trivia Facts!

The explanation for the given correct answer is that Australia experiences its most severe flooding events in summer because of the tropical monsoons and cyclonic events that occur during this season. These weather phenomena bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to increased water levels and flooding in many areas of the country. Therefore, it is true that most severe flooding events occur in Australia in summer.

A major storm event in a large city would fall under the category of atmospheric hazards. This is because storms are caused by atmospheric conditions such as changes in air pressure, temperature, and humidity. These conditions create the necessary ingredients for the formation of storms, including thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The impact of these storms on a large city can be significant, causing damage to infrastructure, homes, and posing risks to human lives. Therefore, the correct category for a major storm event in a large city is atmospheric.

The correct answer is "an event which occurs as a result of physical processes acting within and between the earth's spheres." This answer accurately describes a natural event as something that happens due to the interaction of physical processes within and between the different spheres of the Earth, such as the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. It implies that natural events are not only limited to changes in the Earth's surface or the atmosphere but can encompass a wide range of phenomena that occur as a result of natural processes.

The difference between a natural hazard and a natural disaster lies in the severity of damage to property and resulting loss of life. A natural hazard refers to a physical event that has the potential to cause harm, while a natural disaster occurs when that hazard causes significant damage and loss. The distinction is not based on the strength and size of the event, the degree of impact on the natural environment, or the number of people hurt or killed.

Australia does experience earthquakes, although they are generally less frequent and less severe compared to other regions located on tectonic plate boundaries. The majority of earthquakes in Australia occur along the boundaries of the Australian plate, such as the eastern boundary where it interacts with the Pacific plate. Additionally, there are also some intra-plate earthquakes that occur within the Australian plate itself. Therefore, the statement that Australia does not experience earthquakes because it is situated in the center of a tectonic plate is false.

Australia is known for its lack of active volcanic areas. The continent is located in the middle of a tectonic plate, away from any major plate boundaries where volcanic activity typically occurs. Additionally, Australia has not experienced any volcanic eruptions in recent history. Therefore, the statement that there are no active volcanic areas in Australia is true.

The correct answer is geological, atmospheric, geomorphological and ecological. These categories encompass the various types of natural hazards that can occur. Geological hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Atmospheric hazards include hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Geomorphological hazards involve processes such as erosion, flooding, and coastal erosion. Ecological hazards refer to events like wildfires and insect infestations. These four categories cover a wide range of natural hazards that can pose risks to human populations and the environment.

Not all cyclones that cross the Australian coastline result in a natural disaster. While cyclones can cause significant damage and destruction, not every cyclone that makes landfall in Australia leads to a natural disaster. Factors such as the intensity of the cyclone, its path, and the level of preparedness and response measures in place can all influence the extent of the impact and whether it becomes a natural disaster or not. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that all cyclones crossing the Australian coastline result in a natural disaster.

Debris is caught in trees which have been stripped of their foliage indicating that a strong wind has occurred.

While the term used to describe an very intense, severe low pressure storm is, in Australia, a cyclone, a hurricane is just another name for the same atmospheric event.

The given statement suggests that the flash flood in Toowoomba on Jan 10 2011 was caused by poor flood mitigation in East and West Creeks. However, the correct answer is False. This means that the flash flood was not a result of poor flood mitigation in those areas. The explanation for this answer could be that the flash flood was caused by other factors such as heavy rainfall, inadequate drainage systems, or natural topographical features that contributed to the rapid accumulation of water.

Flash flooding does not occur when rivers break their banks due to long periods of rainfall. Flash flooding is typically caused by intense rainfall over a short period of time, which overwhelms the capacity of the rivers and drainage systems to handle the excess water. This sudden surge of water can result in rapid and unpredictable flooding in low-lying areas. Therefore, the given statement is false.