Human activities can contribute to natural hazards in a number of ways. For example, deforestation can increase the risk of landslides by destabilizing slopes. Deforestation can also worsen floods by reducing the amount of vegetation that can absorb rainfall. Additionally, human activities such as mining and oil and gas extraction can induce seismic activity by disturbing the Earth’s crust.
Here are some more details on each of the options:
- Triggering landslides: Landslides are caused by a number of factors, including slope instability, heavy rainfall, and earthquakes. Human activities can contribute to landslides by destabilizing slopes through deforestation, excavation, or construction.
- Worsening floods: Floods are caused by excessive rainfall or snowmelt that overwhelms the capacity of rivers and streams. Human activities can worsen floods by reducing the amount of vegetation that can absorb rainfall, increasing impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots, and building in floodplains.
- Inducing seismic activity: Seismic activity is caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Human activities can induce seismic activity by disturbing the Earth’s crust through activities such as mining, oil and gas extraction, and waste disposal.
It is important to note that human activities can also help to mitigate natural hazards. For example, reforestation can help to stabilize slopes and reduce the risk of landslides. Additionally, flood control measures such as levees and dams can help to reduce the risk of flooding.