Question 1: Define what a natural hazard is and give two examples of hazards that can occur in the UK.

Answer: A natural hazard is a natural event that has the potential to cause damage or harm to people, property, or the environment. Examples in the UK include flooding and storms.

Question 2: Describe how a volcanic eruption can affect the environment and local communities.

Answer: A volcanic eruption can release ash and gases into the atmosphere, which can disrupt air travel and cause health problems. Lava flows can destroy homes and farmland, and ash can contaminate water supplies.

Question 3: Explain why some areas are more at risk from earthquakes than others, using the theory of plate tectonics.

Answer: Areas near the boundaries of tectonic plates are more at risk of earthquakes because the plates move and sometimes slip suddenly along faults, releasing energy that causes shaking.

Question 4: Describe the main difference between a hazard and a disaster.

Answer: A hazard is a natural event with the potential to cause harm, while a disaster occurs when that hazard actually causes damage, injury, or loss of life.

Question 5: Identify three safety measures that communities can implement to prepare for floods.

Answer: Communities can build flood defenses such as levees or dams, create early warning systems, and promote flood preparedness education for residents.

Question 6: Draw a simple diagram to illustrate how a tsunami forms after an undersea earthquake. Label the key parts of your diagram.

Answer: A correct diagram would show an undersea earthquake causing a sudden displacement of water, generating large waves that travel across the ocean toward land. Labels should include 'undersea earthquake', 'displaced water', 'tsunami waves', and 'coastline'.

Question 7: Suggest two ways that climate change could increase the likelihood of certain hazards, such as hurricanes or droughts.

Answer: Climate change can increase the temperature of oceans, providing more energy for hurricanes, making them more intense. It can also cause changes in rainfall patterns, leading to more frequent and severe droughts.

Question 8: Using your knowledge, explain why urban areas are often more affected by hazards like flooding and heatwaves.

Answer: Urban areas are more affected because of the high concentration of buildings and roads, which increase runoff and reduce natural drainage during floods. Cities also have many dark surfaces that absorb heat, intensifying heatwaves.

Question 9: Sketch a cross-section of a mountain that has been shaped by a glacier. Include labels for the glacier, valley, and mountain peak.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a steep-sided valley (U-shaped), with a glacier occupying the upper part, flowing down the valley, and a mountain peak at the top. Labels should clearly identify each feature.

Question 10: Explain how human activities, such as deforestation or urbanization, can influence the severity of natural hazards.

Answer: Deforestation reduces vegetation that stabilizes soil, increasing the risk of landslides and flooding. Urbanization can increase surface runoff and reduce natural absorption of water, making floods worse.