What is Geologic Hazard?

    The definition of geologic hazard is taken in the context of a layman’s point of view. Balce et al. (1986) clearly defines geologic hazard as earth processes occurring as irregular events in which, its direct interaction with the material environment is capable of causing significant negative impact on man’s well-being.

 

     One qualifying characteristic to consider a geologic event to be a geologic hazard is the capacity to cause a negative impact in the environment. Nature of impact of geologic hazards on the human environment is influenced by interplay of several factors that include time, magnitude of event, nature of materials and geologic settings (either regional/local) or conditions.

 

      The Philippines had seen quite a lot of natural disasters in the past two decades. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and typhoons seem to be common uninvited visitors to this country. And it may be that these natural mayhem-makers come part and parcel with living in our little corner of the world: according to a recent article from The Manila Bulletin, a study from the Center for Research and Epidemiology Disasters (CRED) revealed that the Philippines is the top disaster-prone country in the entire world.