Lesson 2 | Geologic Process and Hazards

The Philippines is an archipelago, with 7,641 islands, and is known for it's natural wonders and water bodies. Yet, with the amount of natural beauty sprawled out throughout, is there any danger that the country might face?

Let's find out!
Today, we'll be learning about what Geologic Processes and Hazards are and it's classifications!

Introduction

Since the Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of fire and the Pacific Typhoon Belt, we are no stranger when it comes to natural hazards. Every year, thousands to millions of Filipinos get affected by all forms of hazards, which may include:

Due to this, these natural hazards can pose many dangers, which can lead to multiple disasters.

Because of its geographic location, the Philippines is one of the most hazard- and disaster-prone countries in the world!

With that, it might lead you to ask: "What may cause these natural disasters?"

What are Geologic Processes?

Geologic Processes can be defined as natural forces that shape the physical makeup of a planet. These cause movement of plates in the plates of Earth's crust, where we live in! As these processes occur from time to time, it can pose as a continous source of hazards to people, communities, and society as a whole.

Simply, these are things and events that help make up the physical look of our planet, from our mountains, seas, and even continents!

Hazards

Since we've learnt that Geologic Processes are things or events that make up how our planet looks like, there are some events that may actually cause a huge risk for us humans. These are called Hazards.

Hazards are phenomenon that is caused by natural or human forces which poses a threat to humans, animals, properties and environment.

For example, because the Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country experiences many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, when compared to other countries. This makes the country one of the most hazard-prone countries in the world.

Hazards can be classified into two: Natural and Anthropogenic

Definition Example
Natural Hazards A natural phenomenon, disasters that are not fully caused by humans. Earthquakes, Volcanic Eruptions, Landslides, and Tsunamis
Anthropogenic Hazards These are natural phenomenons and disasters that are mainly caused by humans. Deforestation, Mining, and Climate Change
In order for us to find out if our homes can be places where natural hazards can happen, many agencies and private companies create Hazard Maps, to help us for that.

But, what are Hazard Maps?

Hazard Maps

Courtesy of Center for Enviornmental Geomatics - Manila Observatory, 2005

Hazard Maps are maps that illustrate areas that are exposed or prone to a particular hazard. These are used for natural hazards such as landslides, flooding, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and even man-made hazards such as floods. These are also used to prevent potential negative effects of these hazards.

Since our geologic location is a major reason as to why the Philippines is a hazard-prone country, our government has partnered with other private institutions to help reduce the risk by producing maps which are available to the public.

A good example of these are the partnership of news networks with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which shares valuable and scientific information which helps increase public knowledge about geologic hazards and it's risks brought with it.

Moreover, PHIVOLCS and the Manila Observatory provide scientific data to;

Provinces at Risk to Volcanic Eruptions

*Courtesy of Center for Enviornmental Geomatics - Manila Observatory, 2005 *

Courtesy of Center for Enviornmental Geomatics - Manila Observatory, 2005

Top 10 Provinces:

  1. Camiguin

  2. Sulu

  3. Biliran

  4. Albay

  5. Batangas

  6. Sorsogon

  7. South Cotabato

  8. Laguna

  9. Camarines Sur

  10. Batanes

Key Points:

  • Camiguin ranks first because of its small land area — if a volcanic eruption occurs, the entire province can be affected.
  • Sulu ranks second as it has many active and dangerous volcanoes.
  • These provinces are more exposed due to their proximity to active volcanoes and volcanic belts.

Most Landslide-Prone Provinces

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Courtesy of Center for Enviornmental Geomatics - Manila Observatory, 2005
Top 10 Provinces:

  1. Marinduque

  2. Rizal

  3. Cebu

  4. La Union

  5. Southern Leyte

  6. Benguet

  7. Nueva Vizcaya

  8. Batangas

  9. Mountain Province

  10. Romblon

Key Points:

  • Most of the landslide-prone areas belong to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
  • The Cordillera Mountain Ranges make these areas rugged and mountainous, making them prone to landslides during:
  • Continuous heavy rains
    .- Earthquakes
    • Weak soil structure in mountain slopes causes ground movement and erosion.

Provinces at Risk to Earthquakes

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Courtesy of Center for Enviornmental Geomatics - Manila Observatory, 2005

Top 10 Provinces:

  1. Surigao del Sur

  2. La Union

  3. Benguet

  4. Pangasinan

  5. Pampanga

  6. Tarlac

  7. Ilocos Sur

  8. Davao Oriental

  9. Nueva Vizcaya

  10. Nueva Ecija

Key Points:

  • Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental are at risk due to their proximity to the Philippine Trench and active faults.
  • La Union and Pangasinan are near the Manila Trench.
  • Benguet, La Union, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija are along the Philippine Fault Zone.
  • PHIVOLCS has recorded 12 destructive earthquakes in past decades causing:
  • Loss of lives
  • Property destruction
  • Injuries

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