GCSERevise
AQASpec 3.1.1Foundation & Higher~30 min

The Challenge of Natural Hazards

Geography · Topic revision workspace

Topic progress0%

Read the notes, score 80% and know 75% of the cards.

Topic overview

What you need to know

Natural hazards become disasters when they affect vulnerable people. Risk depends on the type and magnitude of the event, exposure, vulnerability and capacity to cope.

Exam tip

When explaining hazard risk, link the physical event to human vulnerability rather than describing the event alone.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

  • Natural hazard: A natural event that threatens people, property or the environment.
  • Hazard risk: The probability that people will be affected by a natural hazard.
  • Vulnerability: How susceptible people are to harm because of factors such as poverty, weak buildings or limited preparation.

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

  • Magnitude: The size or strength of a hazardous event.
  • Primary effect: An immediate impact caused directly by the hazard, such as collapsed buildings.
  • Secondary effect: An impact caused by the primary effects, such as disease after water supplies are damaged.

Core knowledge

Key facts for The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1

Natural hazard

A natural event that threatens people, property or the environment.

2

Hazard risk

The probability that people will be affected by a natural hazard.

3

Vulnerability

How susceptible people are to harm because of factors such as poverty, weak buildings or limited preparation.

4

Magnitude

The size or strength of a hazardous event.

5

Primary effect

An immediate impact caused directly by the hazard, such as collapsed buildings.

6

Secondary effect

An impact caused by the primary effects, such as disease after water supplies are damaged.

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

  1. 1.Without looking, explain natural hazard and give one example or consequence.
  2. 2.Without looking, explain hazard risk and give one example or consequence.
  3. 3.Without looking, explain vulnerability and give one example or consequence.
  4. 4.Without looking, explain magnitude and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.

Official AQA specification
Next topicTectonic Hazards