Natural Disasters, Societal Impacts and Technological Solutions - Research Paper Example

Natural Disasters: Societal Impacts and Technological Solutions Introduction Natural disasters in simple words can be explained as a series catastrophic event that occurs within multiple geographic locations owing to natural processes on the earth. The severity of these devastating events can be measured by taking into consideration the total number of lives lost and properties destroyed due to the occurrence of these events. In addition, multiple examples of natural disasters can be stated that has significantly influenced the lives of many people in the most unfavorable manner. Events such as flood, droughts, typhoons, tsunami, and volcanic eruptions over the past few decades have culminated in loss of billions of dollars (Murphy, 2013). Despite of the fact that the occurrences of these natural calamities cannot be prevented, but at least through the appropriate implementation of technology the amount of negative impact on the properties and the human lives can be minimized to a much lower level. Technology in this context can be considered as a crucial tool. Over the past few decades, environmental researchers have been making efforts in terms of developing technological devices that could deliver preliminary warnings regarding the time and the place where these calamities might occur so as to save as many lives and properties as possible. Thus, this discussion will focus upon understanding the use of technology in minimizing the impact of natural disasters. The discussion will also evaluate nine different natural calamities that had left immense impact on humankind and how technological implementation during that time has subsequently helped in saving millions (Kelman, 1998). The detailed elaborations have been provided in the Following discussion. 2. Discussion 2.1. Typhoons The ‘Typhoon Tip’ has been given the rank of being the most intense and largest tropical typhoon in the history of humankind. This typhoon emerged on October 04, 1979 and went on dispatching its wrath continuously for 20 days. Three major areas namely, ‘Guam’, ‘Soviet Union, and ‘Southern Japan’ were majorly affected by this catastrophic event. The calamity took the lives of more than 99 people and destroyed eight oceanic vehicles that mostly included cargo ships. The satellite verification and imaging techniques confirmed the size of this typhoon to be larger than that of the size of United States along with Alaska (Listverse Ltd, 2014). The implementation of defense and ‘weather reconnaissance’ technology by the US military force has gradually helped in monitoring this typhoon closely and understanding the factors that has resulted in the eruption of such a powerful calamity. One such technological advancement that was implemented for weather monitoring purpose during the occurrences of ‘Typhoon Tip’ was the ‘WC-130 Weatherbird hurricane hunter’ aircraft. Notably, this aircraft is the customized version of the C-130 Hercules aircraft. The ‘WC-130 Weatherbird hurricane hunter’ aircraft has been designed and equipped with specific weather monitoring instruments with the help of which it can easily penetrate the areas being strike by the typhoon and collect data regarding the size, movement and density of the typhoon. During occurrence of ‘Typhoon Tip’, the ‘WC-130 Weatherbird hurricane hunter’ aircraft has gradually helped in forecasting the directions in which the typhoon might bend, based on which, the evacuation procedures were carried out (Jennifer, 2013). 2.2. Earthquake Apart, from typhoons, another natural calamity that can be held responsible for taking the lives of thousands is the earthquake. This natural calamity occurs due to the shifting of tectonic plates underneath the earth’s surface. Moreover, this natural disaster also gives rise to multiple other natural disasters in a systematic manner. One such series of natural disasters was triggered by the occurrence of an earthquake in Chile, South America. The earthquake was occurred during the period 1960 and is considered as the most powerful earthquake of the 20th century. The magnitude of this earthquake was recorded as 9.5 Richter scale. In addition, this earthquake took the lives of 6000 people in Chile and also resulted in the occurrence of 35-foot high tidal waves that caused massive destruction to the coastal areas of Hilo, Hawaii (Listverse Ltd, 2014). The mitigating impact of technology for this event was not much due to the fact that during the occurrence of this earthquake, the technology associated with seismologic analysis of the earth’s structure was at developing stage. Moreover, this natural calamity was taken into reference by the geologists, for developing the ‘planetary CAT scan’ technique and the Richter scale device, which analyses the free oscillations during the event of earthquake and forms a virtual replica of the earth’s internal structure. Through these virtual structures, seismologists can easily monitor the level of movements within the earth’s tectonic plates based on which the triggering time and intensity of earthquake can be predicted. Thus in this context, it can be stated that the occurrence of earthquake in Chile during the period of 1960 has created the need for undertaking technological development in the field of seismology. This technological advancement undertaken during that period has in turn helped multiple nations in predicting the duration and intensity of earthquakes that emerged during the subsequent years (Macmillan Publishers Limited, 2014). 2.3. Tornadoes In comparison to the above calamities, tornadoes are also considered as equally destructive as far as loss of human lives and damaged to property is concerned. One of such tornado was the ‘Great Plains Tornado’ which occurred in the areas of Central Oklahoma during the period of 1999.The tornado was rated was categorized F5 based on the size and intensity. This tornado eventually triggered a series of other tornadoes within the areas of Kansas and Northern Texas. In terms of damage, this tornado killed more than 40 people and injured 675 civilians. Alongside, US$ 1.2 billion worth properties were also subsequently destroyed due to the impact of the chains of twisters that emerged out of a sudden (National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, 2014). In the context to the tornado, the satellite imagining technique has always been considered as an appropriate tool in terms of making accurate predictions regarding its directions. Moreover, based on the data obtained from the satellites, the radio broadcasting techniques has also been an ideal tool in terms of saving millions of lives. Preliminary warning regarding the occurrence of these tornadoes helps the inhabitants in undertaking appropriate measures for saving whatever they can before the calamity strikes. A series of Weather Service Radar 88 Doppler (WSR-88D) are also being used by the National Weather Service (NWS) for measuring the size, turning direction and intensity of these twisters. These radars implements multiple techniques such as measurement of clouds reflectivity and the echo effect, based on which, it provides accurate outcomes, and thus help in minimizing the threat imposed by such catastrophic event (Woods, 2005). 2.4. The Volcanic Eruption of Mount Tambora 1815 Volcanic eruptions can also be considered as devastating natural disasters, which in turn can be held liable for triggering multiple other forms of natural disasters. This natural calamity has been in continuation since multiple decades and has also cost the lives of thousands creatures including human and wild lives. One specific instance in this context is the volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora during the period of 1815 which took the lives of 71, 000 people. This volcano is still in an active state and has been ranked as the seven in the scale of 1-8in the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI). In context to the sideway effects of volcanic explosions, it can be stated that the volcanic ash released from the eruptions, forms dense clouds and gradually block the incoming sunlight which, in turn brings about instability within the atmosphere temperature across the blast zone as well as areas surrounding the zone. Consequently, the climatic condition of the blast area is significantly influenced and thus further results in acid rain (livescience, 2011). In context to the Richter scale, the technological measurement tool that has been developed for measuring the occurrence and intensity of volcanic eruptions is the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI). This tool uses the factors such as eruption volume, rate, and other factors such as seismic activities for measuring the power of the eruption. Based on the data obtained, it rates the volcanoes between the scales of 1-8 (livescience, 2011). Apart from this index, multiple other technological tools such as thermal imaging, gas sampling, seismic monitoring and radar mapping are also used through which volcanologists can make predictions regarding what is going on under the earth’s surface. Based on the data obtained, the warning and the evacuation procedures can be carried out. Since this calamity cannot be prevented, hence undertaking prior notification and safety measure are the only techniques for minimizing the intensity of volcanic eruption (THIRTEEN Productions LLC., 2014). 2.5. Flood Flood has also been considered as one of the most devastating natural calamities that cause immense loss to the agriculture sector of a nation, which in turn might impact the economy, as well as the lives of the inhabitants within that nation. One of such instance is the ‘Great Mississippi Flood’, which occurred during the period of 1927. This flood has been considered as one of the most destructive flood occurred in the US. This calamity also causes huge amount of damage to the infrastructure and livelihood of the individuals within area of its occurrence. Flood blocks out the city drainage facilities along with the transportation routes and thus creates chaos through disrupting the everyday flow of goods and services. Besides, there is a greater threat for outbreak of epidemic like malaria and hepatic jaundice (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, n.d.). Bringing about advancement in the geospatial technologies has always been considered as a mitigation procedure against natural calamities such as flood. Through this technology, the government of the flood prone nations have subsequently build up large flood control and water channeling structures that helps in preventing the accumulation of rain water in the streets. The uses of geo positioning satellite and land mapping concepts have also found much significance in context of reducing the impact of flood within the flood prone areas. The construction of flood control gates has been seen as a huge technological advancement in the areas of flood control. One such instance is the construction of flood barriers on the Thames Rivers for regulating the amount of water inflow from the river to the inlands. This project has minimized the threat of flood over Netherlands to a considerable extent (Broad, 2005) 2.6. Hurricanes Hurricanes are generally tropical cyclones, which are characterized by low pressure along with heavy storm and rainfall. These types of tropical storms generally form over large bodies of warm waters and derive its energy from through evaporation process. The evaporated water takes the form of clouds and rains down in heavy amount after a considerable period. The negative impact of the hurricanes can mostly be seen in the coastal areas. These hurricanes create strong winds over the coastal waters, which in turn results in floods, destruction to coastal property, storm surges and tornadoes (The Weather Channel, LLCb., 2014). In this context, multiple technological advancements such as ‘Reconnaissance aircraft’, ‘Doppler radar’ and ‘satellite imaging’ are used for attaining appropriate data regarding the occurrence and intensity of hurricanes. Through the implementation of these weather-monitoring technologies, the impact of hurricanes on the lives of the inhabitants along with the economies of nations can be minimized to a considerable extent (The Weather Channel, LLC., 2014). 2.7. Tsunami Tsunamis are large oceanic waves that cause tremendous damage to both lives and properties specifically over the coastal areas. The height of these waves may rise to even 100 meters depending on the vibration that occur underneath the ocean. In accordance to scientific terms, tsunamis are generally caused due to massive earthquakes underneath the oceans as an effect of tectonic plate movement. One instance in this context is the tsunami that hit the Indian coastlines during 2004 as a result of plate shift within the Indian Ocean. This natural calamity claimed the lives of thousands of people residing in coastal area struck by it (Tsunami2004.net, 2014). Apparently, preventing this calamity is almost impossible but still through the effective implementation of technology, its impact can be minimized. By taking into consideration, the life and property loss caused by the tsunami of 2004, the governments within multiple nations have taken up developmental plans such as the implementation of the tsunami warning systems. This system acquires data from the seismometers and the floating buoys within the shallow and deep waters through which continuous monitoring of the sea level is carried out. The coastal areas have also been equipped with tsunami warning alarms that help in carrying out evacuation plan before the occurrence of oceanic calamity (EnchantedLearning.com®, n.d.). 2.8. Wildfires Wildfires are generally an uncontrolled fire that continues for days causing intense loss to life and property. Over the years, there have been several instances of wildfires. The most recent incident of wildfires is observed in the Northwest region of United States including Oregon and Washington (Oregon Live LLC, 2014). Wildfires are more common within the dry and warm areas where the quantity of moisture within the air is quite low. This factor contributes to the outspread of fire. Due to the burning out of the large geographic areas, this calamity might destabilize the economy as well as the ecological balance within the affected area to significant level. Since this disaster cannot be eliminated, thus as a mitigation step, multiple technological aspects have been implemented in a strategized manner for preventing the spread of fire. For instance, areas patrolling aircrafts helps in detecting and mitigating this calamity at the early possible stage. Land separation techniques through the utilization of bulldozers also appear effective in this context. In extreme cases, helicopters within loaded water and coolant tank are also called out for controlling the situation (Alabama Forestry Commission, n.d.). 2.9. Droughts This natural calamity mainly persists within the dry regions where the levels of annual rainfall are considerably low. In comparison to that of the other calamities, droughts causes significant amount of damage to framers which in turn gives rise to multiple other anomalies such as low agricultural outcome, destabilized economy and poor health of the individuals. In addition, the lower level of technological advancement along with the lack of effective warning systems further deteriorates the situation to lower levels (WHO, 2014). However, technological developments within the areas of water harvesting and irrigational techniques have helped in mitigating the impact of this disaster to an appreciable level. Additively, the undertaking of advanced artificial weather modifications techniques have gradually opened up new dimensions and perspectives within the areas of future agriculture. By taking this aspect into consideration, it can be asserted that with time, the weather modifications techniques will gradually help in controlling this natural calamity (Chossudovsky, 2007). 3. Conclusion The foregoing discussion reflected the impact of different natural calamities and the role of technological developments in minimizing the intensity of these catastrophic events. Majority of the above-discussed calamities are unpredictable and thus, the early precaution can only be termed as an appropriate measure for safeguarding the interests of the nations and the inhabitants from being subjected to the consequences of such disasters. Besides, there is much to be achieved in terms of technology in order to address the event of natural disaster. References Alabama Forestry Commission. (n.d.). Wildfire detection and control. Retrieved from http://www.forestry.alabama.gov/WildfireControl.aspx?bv=1&s=0 Broad, W. J. (2005). In Europe, high-tech flood control, with natures help. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/06/science/06tech.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Chossudovsky, M. (2007). Weather warfare: beware the US military’s experiments with climatic warfare. Retrieved from http://www.globalresearch.ca/weather-warfare-beware-the-us-military-s-experiments-with-climatic-warfare/7561 EnchantedLearning.com®. (n.d.). Tsunami. Retrieved from http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/tsunami/ Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. (n.d.). ES1308 the Flood of 1927. Retrieved from https://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es1308/es1308page05.cfm Jennifer, M. (2013). Super Typhoon Haiyan strongest in recorded history? Retrieved from http://jennifermarohasy.com/2013/11/super-typhoon-haiyan-strongest-in-history/ Kelman, I. (1998). Role of technology in managing vulnerability to natural disasters, with case studies of volcanic disasters on non-industrialized islands. Abstract, 1-152. Livescience. (2011). The 10 biggest volcanic eruptions in history. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/30507-volcanoes-biggest-history.html Listverse Ltd. (2014). Top 10 most terrifying natural disasters in history. Retrieved from http://listverse.com/2010/03/15/top-10-most-terrifying-natural-disasters-in-history/ Murphy, D. (2013). Typhoon Haiyan: what are the strongest and most destructive tropical cyclones on record? Retrieved from http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2013/1112/Typhoon-Haiyan-What-are-the-strongest-and-most-destructive-tropical-cyclones-on-record/Typhoon-Tip-1979 Macmillan Publishers Limited. (2014). Seismology: The biggest one. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100505/full/465024a.html National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office. (2014). The great plains tornado outbreak of May 3-4, 1999. Retrieved from http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=events-19990503 Oregon Live LLC. (2014). Northwest wildfires: Lightning triggers new fires but crews make progress. Retrieved from http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2014/07/northwest_wildfires_lightning.html Tsunami2004.net. (2014). Tsunami 2004 facts and figures. Retrieved from http://www.tsunami2004.net/tsunami-2004-facts/ The Weather Channel, LLC. (2014). Hurricane: tracking & researching hurricanes. Retrieved from http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/hurricanes/articles/hurricane-tracking-hurricanes_2010-05-24 The Weather Channel, LLCb. (2014). Hurricane: damage & effects of hurricanes. Retrieved from http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/hurricanes/articles/hurricane-damage-effects_2010-05-24 THIRTEEN Productions LLC. (2014). Violent Hawaii volcanologists tools. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/violent-hawaii/volcanologists-tools/1863/ WHO. (2014). DROUGHT - technical hazard sheet - natural disaster profiles. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/ems/drought/en/ Woods, B. (2005). How can you detect tornadoes on radar? Retrieved from http://www.thestormtrack.com/2005/11/how_can_you_detect_tornadoes_o.php Read More