Natural Phenomena

Natural Phenomena

Criteria
Describe how any three natural phenomena impact/have impacted Caribbean Social and
Economic life in the past and present Caribbean.

 Phenomena chosen:
 Hurricane
 Earthquake
 Volcano

Introduction
Natural Phenomena: An event occurring which is not man-made; it is of nature

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Examples include:
 Sunrise
 Weather (Hurricanes, Earthquakes, etc.)
 Biological Processes (germination, decomposition, etc.)

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Varying types of natural phenomena exists which may include:
 Geological phenomena
 Meteorological phenomena
 Oceanographic phenomena

Hurricanes
 A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds which that reached a constant speed of 119km/hr.
 Hurricane winds blow in large spiral motions around a relatively calm centre known as “the eye”.
 As a hurricane nears land fall, it can bring torrential rain, high winds and storm surges along with heavy rains that brings about flooding and land slides.

Caribbean Countries Impacted by Hurricanes: 1988 -2004
 Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Montserrat
 Hurricane Hugo 1989
 Iris/Marilyn/Luis 1995

 Bahamas
 Hurricane Andrew 1992

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Saint Lucia
 Tropical Storm Debby 1994

 Antigua and Barbuda Dominica, St Kitts-Nevis
 Hurricane Georges 1998

 Belize
 Hurricane Keith 2000 and 2001

 Jamaica
 Hurricane Gilbert 1988
 Hurricane Ivan 2004

Social and Economic Impacts of Hurricanes in the Caribbean


Soci al Econo mic 

Flooding
 It obstructs development as a flood stricken area MUST be restored before any further development can take place
 The damage done is on a great scale that results in lack of productivity for businesses and trade  Trauma is often inflicted on persons
 Adverse effect on health as infectious diseases and viruses may arise as well as food poisoning.  No electricity

Storm Surge: strong winds that push the water towards the coast; suction created by the storms low pressure
 Loss of lives from drowning
 Buildings and roads