Mod 8 Hazards

Using the Nathan World Map of Natural Hazards by Muncih Re, many risks and trends were identified for the general area. The area I used was north east Pennsylvania because I was unable to distinguish more accurately. The area is zone 0 for MM V and below earthquakes, zone 1 for low chance of wildfires, zone 1 for winter storm with 81-120 km/h winds, zone 2 for moderate frequency and intensity of hail storms, and also close to a coast with a tendency for zone 4 winds with peak speeds between 252-299 km/h. The El Nino brings warmer weather and fewer tropical cyclones. The La Nina brings higher risks of tropical cyclone activity. The history of the area shows trends of an average increase of 0.3 degrees Celsius and 15% rise in precipitation per decade between 1978 and 2007. There is an increased risk of heavy rain in the area.

For the first choice of question two, using Global Risk Data Platform, the site allowed a considerable increase in preciseness of area observed. For this part, I used Wayne County Pennsylvania and made note of how different parts of the county were affected. There was no history of landslides, tsunami, or spectral acceleration (earthquakes). There have been cyclone winds reaching an average of 70 km/h causing losses in the bracket of 20-200 million dollars (US). There are flood hazards especially near rivers. Certain areas at risk of draught. The detail in effected areas is very helpful when compiling data. I would differentiate the colors further when showing the level an area is affected. This sight is more time consuming and would be overly specific for larger areas.

The distinguished weather in different seasons causes predictable patterns for hazard risks. During winter, there is an increased risk of storms that produce snow or ice and come with strong gusts of wind. During the spring months, there is increased risk of storms that bring heavy rain fall often and the warmer temperatures leads to any remaining snow or ice to melt. This increase of water in the area leads to flooding especially in low-lying areas near bodies of water. This precipitation tappers off and the average temperature continues to rise leading to drought through the end of the summer. This transition of temperature can lead hail storms or twisters. Neither have a large risk of happening but have happened and normally effect about a square mile. Fall may be the season with the lease risk of hazards but there is still possibilities for all of the above hazards.

One main change I would make to the town would simply be stopping any development of land within a foot of sea level or within 100 yards of a body of water. Many areas deal with flooding often and development in these areas subject structures to water damage repeatedly. There could be zoning by local government to forbid insurance available on structures that area in flood zones. This may cause individuals to build structures in areas with less risk of flooding to qualify for insurance. I will never build a permanent structure in a flood zone with the expectation that it would be safe from floods. The other major risk faced in the area is winter storms and the side effects. The local area is proficient at predicting and canceling what is needed to keep roads more clear. Also individuals often choose not to drive in the weather.

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