Understanding Geological Risks
This page introduces the concept of geological risks and their components. It explains how natural hazards combined with human vulnerabilities create potential for disaster.
The fundamental equation for understanding risk is presented:
ALEA + ENJEUX = RISQUE
This formula illustrates that risk is a product of both natural phenomena and human factors.
Definition: ALEA refers to natural phenomena that have the potential to occur, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or cyclones.
Definition: ENJEUX represents the potential impact on humans and their activities, including loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption.
The page lists three primary examples of geological hazards:
- Seismic activity (earthquakes)
- Volcanic eruptions
- Cyclones
Highlight: Understanding the interplay between natural hazards (ALEA) and human vulnerabilities (ENJEUX) is crucial for effective risk management and disaster preparedness.
Example: A séisme (earthquake) occurring in an uninhabited area presents a low risk, despite being a significant ALEA. However, the same earthquake in a densely populated city would pose a high risk due to the increased ENJEUX.
Vocabulary: Risques géologiques encompass a range of natural hazards that can affect the Earth's surface and human populations, including but not limited to seismic activity, volcanic events, and severe weather phenomena like cyclones.
This introductory page sets the foundation for a deeper exploration of geological risks, emphasizing the importance of considering both natural processes and human factors in risk assessment and management strategies.