AS Homework15.11.16

Using a named location, explain how hydrometeorological hazards can contribute to a tectonic disaster.

•tectonic disaster is when a hazard event causes widespread disruption.

•The hydrometeorological hazards that combine with tectonic events include cyclones and associated flash flooding events and droughts

•Cyclones are particularly prevalent within the tropics and sometimes occur in countries lying on multiple plate boundaries, e.g. Philippines

•Tectonic events can leave steep slopes, rugged land and poor vegetation (if destroyed by, e.g., volcanoes)

•Extreme weather events can trigger drought and forest fires that destroy vegetation (e.g. from El-Nino) and excess rainfall and flooding (e.g. from La Nina)

•Heavy rainfall events trigger mudslides and landslides, particularly if vegetation has been removed

•If heavy rain mixes with volcanic ash, then large lahars might kill many people (e.g. Typhoon Yunya in 1991)

•Volcanic eruptions release lots of water and the plume creates static charges that create lightning and thunderstorms

•Other reasons for a tectonic disaster might include a vulnerable population, particularly if occurring in places such as the Philippines

•Multiple hazards can destroy crop yields and transport infrastructure and prevent crops being planted in saturated ground, as well as stored crops damaged by floods.