Geo 305 Ch 1

Front 1

biogeochemical cycle

Back 1

Movement of a chemical element or compound through the major Earth systems: atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere.

Front 2

catastrophe

Back 2

An event or situation causing sufficient damage to people, property, or society that recovery or rehabilitation is long and complex; natural processes most likely to produce a catastrophe include floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanoes and large fires.

Front 3

disaster

Back 3

One possible effect of a hazard on society. Usually a sudden event that causes great damage or loss of life during a limited time and in a limited geographic area.

Front 4

forecast

Back 4

With respect to a natural hazard, an announcement that states that a particular event, such as a flood or storm, is likely to occur during a particular time interval, often with some statement of the degree of its probability.

Front 5

frequency

Back 5

The number of waves passing a point of reference per second; commonly expressed in cycles per second or hertz (Hz); the inverse of the wave period.

Front 6

geologic cycle

Back 6

A group of interrelated sequences of Earth processes known as the hydrologic, rock, tectonic, and biogeochemical cycles.

Front 7

hazard
see Natural Hazard

Back 7

A potential danger that poses a threat to people or property that exists or is caused by nature; generally one that is not made or caused by humans.

Front 8

hydrologic cycle

Back 8

Circulation of water from the oceans to the atmosphere and back to the oceans by way of precipitation, evaporation, runoff from streams, and groundwater flow.

Front 9

land-use planning

Back 9

The preparation of an overall master plan for future development of an area; the plan may recommend zoning restrictions and infrastructure both practical and appropriate for the community and its natural environment; based on mapping and classification of existing human activities and environmental conditions, including natural hazards.

Front 10

magnitude

Back 10

With respect to natural hazards, especially earthquakes, the amount of energy released.

Front 11

mitigation

Back 11

The avoidance of, lessening, or compensation for anticipated harmful effects of an action, especially with respect to the natural environment.

Front 12

prediction

Back 12

With respect to a hazardous event, such as an earthquake, the advance determination of the date, time, and size of the event.

Front 13

risk

Back 13

From a natural hazards viewpoint, risk may be considered as the product of the probability of an event times the consequences.

Front 14

rock cycle

Back 14

Group of interrelated processes by which igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks can each be produced from the others.

Front 15

tectonic cycle

Back 15

A repetitive sequence of events and processes that create and destroy the Earth's crust and its ocean basins and mountain ranges.

Front 16

warning

Back 16

With respect to natural hazards, the announcement of a possible hazardous event, such as a large earthquake or flood, that could occur in the near future.