How is hazard map useful in identifying hazards brought by different geologic processes?
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Answer:
The processes that have formed the earth continually act on or beneath its surface. The movement of plates in the earth's crust and local concentrations of heat are a continuing source of hazards to people and their structures. A simplified classification of the major hazard-related geologic phenomena and the hazards they cause is presented in the box below.
This chapter focuses on the use of information about earthquakes and earthquake-induced landslides, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis (ocean waves caused by earth movement) to improve development planning in Latin America and the Caribbean. For each hazard the chapter presents physical characteristics, information sources, data available for determining the threat posed, and mitigation measures; Chapter 10 provides a more detailed discussion of landslides. Not considered here are certain other geologic phenomena-such as expansive soils, uplift, and subsidence-which are less common, less hazardous, or less amenable to general assessment and mitigation.
The results of the extensive research on geologic hazards that has been conducted to date have been translated into a form accessible to non-scientists, and small-scale maps displaying historic, actual, and potential hazard levels are available. While this chapter does not go into specific geologic hazard assessment techniques, most of which are well beyond the technical, temporal, and budgetary constraints of integrated development planning studies, it presents and discusses existing information which can and should be used during the Preliminary Mission and Phase I stages of a planning study. This information is sufficient to show the planning team whether a hazard constitutes a significant problem in development area and, if so, what detailed studies requiring the services of a specialist are needed.