My question concerns the following three hazards: earthquakes, hurricanes and drought.
In terms of spatial extent (wide spread, limited), I believe that earthquakes generally have the most limited spatial extent of the three, followed by hurricanes. However, I am unsure about droughts. I assume that they have the largest spatial extent of the three, but would anyone be able to give an explanation as to why?
With regard to their predictability (hazard assessment), I would say that the order (from most predictable to least) would be:
- Hurricanes
- Drought
- Earthquakes
Hurricanes as past trends can be assessed and there are specific conditions that are required for a hurricane to form (e.g. between 5, 20 degrees from equator).
I am less sure about prediction methods for droughts, but I assume that precipitation levels can be monitored, etc.
Lastly, I am aware that historic trends can be assessed for earthquakes and the general areas that will be affected can be predicted, however it is difficult to predict where the earthquake will occur along the fault line and the magnitude (I am aware that there are numerous questions on the predictability of earthquakes)
I would love it if you could share your thoughts in terms of how you would order the hazards and why.