Reviewing and visualizing the interactions of natural hazards
This paper presents a broad overview, characterization, and visualization of the interaction relationships between 21 natural hazards, drawn from six hazard groups (geophysical, hydrological, shallow Earth, atmospheric, biophysical, and space hazards). A synthesis is presented of the identified interaction relationships between these hazards, using an accessible visual format particularly suited to end users. Interactions considered are primarily those where a primary hazard triggers or increases the probability of secondary hazards occurring. This paper seeks to:
- identify, through a wide-ranging review of grey- and peer-review literature, 90 interactions;
- subdivide the interactions into three levels, based on how well we can characterize secondary hazards, given information about the primary hazard;
- determine the spatial overlap and temporal likelihood of the triggering relationships occurring; and
- examine the relationship between primary and secondary hazard intensities for each identified hazard interaction and group these into five possible categories.
Using accessible visualization techniques, the study synthesises, large amounts of information drawn from many scientific disciplines. The paper outlines the importance of constraining hazard interactions and reinforce the importance of a holistic (or multihazard) approach to natural hazard assessment. This approach allows those undertaking research into single hazards to place their work within the context of other hazards. It also communicates important aspects of hazard interactions, facilitating an effective analysis by those working on reducing and managing disaster risk within both the policy and practitioner communities.
Creative Commons BY 4.0, Reviews of Geophysics, 52, 680–722, doi:10.1002/2013RG000445
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