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

Answer: A hurricane is a large, rotating storm with strong winds and heavy rain that forms over warm ocean waters; for example, Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Question 2: What is 'wildfire' and which US state experiences the most frequent wildfires?

Answer: A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire in forests or grasslands; California experiences the most frequent wildfires.

Question 3: Explain 'seismic activity' and name a significant earthquake in the US.

Answer: Seismic activity refers to movements of the Earth's crust such as earthquakes; an example is the 2011 Virginia earthquake.

Question 4: Define 'flood' and describe a notable flood event in US history.

Answer: A flood is an overflow of water onto land, often due to heavy rainfall; the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 is a notable example.

Question 5: What are 'tsunamis' and where are they most likely to occur?

Answer: Tsunamis are large sea waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions; they are most likely to occur along Pacific coasts.

Question 1: Which US state has experienced the most significant number of wildfires in the past decade?

Answer: California

Question 2: Name the hurricane that caused extensive damage along the Gulf Coast in 2005.

Answer: Hurricane Katrina

Question 3: Identify the primary cause of most earthquakes in California.

Answer: The San Andreas Fault

Question 4: Describe the typical environmental conditions that lead to wildfires in the southwestern US.

Answer: Hot, dry weather combined with strong winds and dry vegetation creates ideal conditions for wildfires in the southwestern US.

Question 5: What measures can communities adopt to reduce flood risk in coastal areas?

Answer: Building levees, implementing early warning systems, and creating floodplain management plans can help reduce flood risk.

Question 1: Read the case study about Hurricane Katrina and identify two major social impacts on New Orleans.

Answer: Displacement of residents leading to homelessness and increased mortality due to inadequate evacuation procedures.

Question 2: Analyze how the California wildfires have affected local ecosystems and urban areas.

Answer: The wildfires have destroyed large areas of forest, leading to habitat loss and soil erosion, while urban areas have experienced property damage, air quality issues, and displacement of residents.

Question 3: Describe the emergency response strategies used during the 2017 Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

Answer: Evacuation orders, deployment of rescue teams, and the establishment of shelters were key response strategies during Hurricane Harvey.

Question 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of flood defense systems implemented after the 2010 Mississippi River floods.

Answer: Flood defense systems such as levees and floodwalls have mitigated some flood risks, but they have limitations, especially during extreme events, highlighting the need for integrated flood management strategies.

Question 1: Explain why the Pacific coast of the US is more prone to earthquakes and tsunamis than other regions.

Answer: The Pacific coast lies along the Pacific Plate boundary, where tectonic plates interact, causing frequent seismic activity and tsunamis due to underwater earthquakes and fault movements.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of increasing wildfire frequency in California over the past 20 years.

Answer: Factors include prolonged droughts due to climate change, rising temperatures, urban expansion into fire-prone areas, and reduced rainfall leading to dry vegetation, all contributing to increased wildfire risk.

Question 3: Explain the relationship between climate change and the intensity of hurricanes affecting the Gulf Coast.

Answer: Climate change leads to warmer ocean temperatures, which provide more energy for hurricanes, increasing their frequency, intensity, and potential for damage along the Gulf Coast.

Question 1: To what extent have disaster preparedness measures in Florida reduced the impact of hurricanes over the last decade?

Answer: Disaster preparedness measures such as improved early warning systems, mandatory evacuations, and resilient infrastructure have significantly reduced casualties and property damage. However, challenges remain due to increasing hurricane strength and urban density, which require continuous improvement of strategies.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of California's wildfire management policies in reducing wildfire damage and loss.

Answer: California's policies include controlled burns, public awareness campaigns, and firebreaks, which have helped reduce wildfire severity in some areas. Nonetheless, climate change and urban sprawl continue to pose significant challenges, indicating that policies must adapt to changing conditions for greater effectiveness.