Question 1: What is a 'hurricane'?

Answer: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher, often causing heavy rain, storm surges, and wind damage.

Question 2: Define 'wildfire' and give an example in California.

Answer: A large, uncontrolled fire in forest or grassland areas; for example, the California Camp Fire of 2018.

Question 3: What is 'flooding'?

Answer: The overflow of water onto land that is usually dry, often caused by heavy rain or storm surges.

Question 4: Explain 'climate change' and its influence on environmental hazards.

Answer: Long-term alteration of global or regional climate patterns, which can increase the frequency and severity of hazards like hurricanes and wildfires.

Question 5: Name the geographical region in the US most affected by hurricanes.

Answer: The Gulf Coast, including states like Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.

Question 1: What meteorological conditions typically lead to the formation of hurricanes?

Answer: Warm ocean waters, low-pressure systems, and atmospheric instability.

Question 2: Name two states most frequently affected by wildfires.

Answer: California and Colorado.

Question 3: Identify the primary cause of flooding during hurricanes.

Answer: Storm surges and intense rainfall overwhelming drainage systems.

Question 4: What are the main human activities that can increase wildfire risk?

Answer: Land clearing, arson, and poor fire management practices.

Question 1: Read the case study about Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Identify three impacts of the hurricane on New Orleans and explain how geographical factors contributed to these impacts.

Answer: Impacts included catastrophic flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of life. Geographical factors such as low-lying topography and the presence of flood barriers contributed to the severity of flooding.

Question 2: Based on the California wildfires of 2020, analyze how climate change has influenced wildfire frequency and intensity.

Answer: Climate change has led to higher temperatures, prolonged droughts, and drier vegetation, all of which increase the likelihood and severity of wildfires.

Question 1: Explain why coastal areas are more vulnerable to hurricanes.

Answer: Coastal areas are more vulnerable because they are directly exposed to tropical cyclone formation over warm ocean waters, which provide the energy needed for hurricanes to develop and intensify.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of the increasing frequency of wildfires in California.

Answer: The causes include climate change leading to hotter, drier conditions, forest management practices that leave excess vegetation, and increased human activity such as land development and arson.

Question 3: Explain how topography influences flood risk in the Mississippi River basin.

Answer: Low-lying areas and flat terrain in the basin increase flood risk, especially during heavy rainfall or storm surges, as water flow is slow and drainage is limited.

Question 1: To what extent have flood defenses in New Orleans reduced the impact of flooding from hurricanes? Consider both successes and limitations in your answer.

Answer: Flood defenses in New Orleans, such as levees and floodwalls, have significantly reduced flood risks; however, their effectiveness is limited by factors like aging infrastructure, storm surge intensity, and potential overtopping during major hurricanes. While they have prevented some disasters, vulnerabilities remain, especially during extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.