Understanding Geophysical Hazards
Geophysical hazards are natural events caused by the Earth's physical processes. These hazards can lead to significant damage to the environment, infrastructure, and human life. Among the options provided, avalanches are the only phenomena that fit this category.
What are Geophysical Hazards?
- Geophysical hazards include events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, and avalanches.
- These events are typically driven by geological processes and can occur suddenly and with little warning.
Why Avalanches are Considered Geophysical Hazards?
- Avalanches occur when a mass of snow and ice rapidly descends down a slope due to gravity, often triggered by factors like weather conditions or human activity.
- They can result in severe consequences including loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property.
Why Other Options Do Not Qualify?
- Infestation: Refers to the presence of pests or organisms in a given area, primarily affecting agriculture or health but not classified as a geophysical hazard.
- Invasive Species: Refers to non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems, which is more of an ecological concern than a geophysical one.
- Diseases: While they can be caused by environmental factors, diseases are primarily biological phenomena and do not fall under the category of geophysical hazards.
Conclusion
In summary, avalanches are classified as geophysical hazards due to their nature as sudden, earth-driven events, whereas the other options relate to biological or ecological issues. Understanding these classifications helps in better preparedness and response to such hazards.