Question 1: Define 'Hurricane' and give an example of a recent major hurricane that affected the US.

Answer: A hurricane is a large, powerful tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rain; for example, Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Question 2: What is 'seismic activity' and how does it relate to earthquakes?

Answer: Seismic activity refers to the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in a region; it indicates tectonic movements along fault lines.

Question 3: Explain what 'wildfire' means and mention a notable wildfire in California.

Answer: A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire burning across vegetation; for example, the Camp Fire in 2018.

Question 4: Define 'flood' and identify one major flood event in the US.

Answer: A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land; an example is the Great Flood of 1927.

Question 5: What is the 'Saffir-Simpson scale' used for?

Answer: It is used to categorize hurricane intensity based on wind speeds.

Question 1: Which US state is most prone to hurricanes, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season?

Answer: Florida

Question 2: Name the tectonic plate boundary responsible for most earthquakes in California.

Answer: The Pacific Plate along the San Andreas Fault.

Question 3: What weather conditions typically lead to the occurrence of wildfires in California?

Answer: Hot, dry, and windy conditions during drought periods.

Question 4: Identify two primary human activities that can increase the risk of flooding.

Answer: Urbanization and deforestation.

Question 5: Which natural disaster caused the most fatalities in the US in the past decade?

Answer: Hurricanes

Question 1: Based on the 2017 Hurricane Harvey case, analyze the main factors that contributed to the severity of flooding in Houston.

Answer: Heavy rainfall due to storm surge, urban development on floodplains, and inadequate drainage systems contributed to severe flooding in Houston during Hurricane Harvey.

Question 2: Discuss the social impacts of the California wildfires in 2020 on local communities.

Answer: Displacement of residents, loss of homes and livelihoods, health issues due to smoke inhalation, and psychological stress were significant social impacts.

Question 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of evacuation procedures during Hurricane Irma in Florida.

Answer: Evacuation procedures were largely effective in reducing fatalities, though some areas faced challenges due to traffic congestion and short notice periods.

Question 4: Identify the economic consequences faced by Louisiana after the 2019 flooding event.

Answer: Widespread property damage, loss of agricultural productivity, increased insurance claims, and costs of recovery efforts.

Question 1: Explain why coastal regions in the southeastern US are more prone to hurricanes.

Answer: Coastal regions in the southeastern US are more vulnerable to hurricanes due to the warm Atlantic Ocean waters, which fuel tropical storm formation, and the region's geographic proximity to storm pathways.

Question 2: Analyse the main causes of wildfires in California and how climate change may be influencing their frequency.

Answer: Wildfires in California are primarily caused by dry, hot weather, strong winds, and human activities such as campfires or power lines. Climate change has increased the frequency of droughts and elevated temperatures, creating more conditions conducive to wildfires, thus increasing their occurrence and severity.

Question 3: Explain the relationship between tectonic plate movements and earthquakes in the US.

Answer: Tectonic plate movements along fault lines, especially the San Andreas Fault, generate stress and energy buildup that are released as earthquakes when the crust fractures.

Question 1: To what extent have disaster preparedness measures in California reduced the impact of wildfires? Consider both successes and limitations.

Answer: Disaster preparedness measures such as controlled burns, early warning systems, and community education have helped reduce loss of life and property. However, limitations include the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires due to climate change, rapid urban expansion into fire-prone areas, and resource constraints, which challenge the effectiveness of current strategies.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in managing hurricane responses in the US.

Answer: FEMA has played a crucial role in coordinating disaster response, providing relief supplies, and supporting recovery efforts. While successes include large-scale evacuations and resource mobilization, criticisms point to delays in response times, logistical challenges, and issues with resource allocation, indicating room for improvement in disaster management.