Geophysical risk refers to the potential for natural hazards originating from geological and physical processes to impact human life, infrastructure, and the environment. It encompasses events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and landslides, which can have significant socio-economic and environmental consequences.

Geophysical Risk

Natural hazards are environmental events that have the potential to cause harm to humans, property, and ecosystems, often resulting in significant social and economic impacts. Understanding their causes, frequency, and potential effects is crucial for effective risk management and mitigation strategies to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.

Natural Hazards

Geological processes are the dynamic natural mechanisms that shape the Earth's structure and surface over time, including the formation of mountains, erosion, and plate tectonics. These processes are fundamental to understanding the Earth's history, resources, and environmental changes.

Geological Processes

Physical Processes

Impact On Human Life

Impact on infrastructure

Impact on the environment

Earthquakes are sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. They can lead to significant destruction and are measured using the Richter scale, with their epicenter being the point directly above the origin of the quake on the Earth's surface.

Earthquakes

Volcanic eruptions are geological events where magma, gas, and ash are expelled from a volcano, significantly impacting the surrounding environment and climate. These eruptions can vary in intensity and frequency, influencing the formation of landscapes and the distribution of ecosystems over time.

Volcanic Eruptions

Tsunamis are large sea waves typically caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, and they can travel across entire ocean basins at high speeds, causing widespread destruction upon reaching coastlines. Early warning systems and understanding the natural precursors to tsunamis are crucial for minimizing their impact and saving lives.

Tsunamis

Landslides are the movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope, often triggered by factors like heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human activities. They pose significant risks to human life and infrastructure and are influenced by geological, hydrological, and climatic conditions.

Landslides

Socio-economic consequences

When we do things like cutting down trees or using too much water, it can hurt the Earth and make it harder for plants, animals, and people to live. We need to take care of our planet so everyone can have clean air, water, and a safe place to live.

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