Natural Hazards vs Disasters
This is called a dangerous event in nature (like a hurricane) before it harms people or property.
What is a natural hazard.
What is a levee built to protect against?
A levee protects against river (riverine) flooding by holding back river water.
What is evaporation?
Evaporation is when liquid water becomes water vapor (gas)
What is a budget?
A budget is the amount of money available to spend.
This is the term describes the harmful effects on people and property after a natural hazard strikes.
Natural disaster
What is a seawall built to protect against?
A seawall protects against ocean flooding and storm surge.
What is a storm surge?
A storm surge is a sudden rise in ocean water level pushed onshore by winds and low pressure in the storm.
What does the word “constraint” mean in engineering or planning?
A constraint is something that limits what you can do, like limited money or materials.
Give two examples of how human choices can turn a natural hazard into a larger natural disaster (short, age-appropriate answer).
building in flood plains, not using strong building materials, removing wetlands that absorb water.
Name one advantage and one limitation (constraint) of building a seawall.
blocks large waves and storm surge; Limitation: expensive, can cause erosion, may fail in extreme storms.
Explain how evaporation from the ocean helps a hurricane grow stronger
Evaporation adds warm, moist air that provides energy and fuel for the storm’s clouds and winds
Give two examples of constraints engineers might face when protecting a town from a hurricane (one could be money; name another).
limited money, not enough materials, lack of time, environmental rules, space limits
Why is it important for city planners to understand which areas are at low elevation when thinking about hazards?
Because low-elevation areas are more likely to flood and need different protections or evacuation plans.
What is an engineer, and why do engineers need to think about budgets when planning protection for a town?
An engineer uses science to design solutions; budgets limit what materials and how much work can be done
Draw and label (on paper) the steps of the water cycle that feed a hurricane: include evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Then write one sentence explaining which step gives energy to the storm
Accept labeled water-cycle diagram; sentence: Evaporation supplies heat and moisture that help the hurricane gain strength
If you had a small budget, would you focus on building one very strong seawall or several smaller protections and evacuation plans? Explain your choice in one or two sentences (student opinion supported by reason
Accept either choice with reason: e.g., many will choose multiple protections + evacuation because budget limits building one perfect barrier; others may argue one strong seawall if it protects the whole town.
Explain, in your own words, how a flood caused by a storm surge can become a disaster for a coastal town.
Storm surge pushes ocean water onto land; if water reaches homes and roads it damages buildings and can trap people.
Describe a combined solution (two things) engineers might use to protect a coastal town from flooding, and name one constraint that could limit those plans.
Example: build a levee + restore wetlands; constraint: limited money or limited time or materials.
ou are the engineer for a coastal town with limited money. List a 3-step plan (each step one short sentence) that balances safety, budget limits, and time to get work done before hurricane season.
1) Identify highest-risk areas and make an evacuation map. 2) Build or reinforce the most critical short sections of seawall/levee. 3) Restore wetlands and run community drills to improve preparedness