Jules Cyril T.

Guerrero
Grade 11 Self-Reliance

Chapter 7.1 Section Assessment (p247)

1. What are the sources of bolide impact objects? Why do scientists study these?

The sources of bolide impact objects are the asteroid belt for meteorites and asteroids,
Oort cloud, or the Kuiper belt for comets. While bolide impacts may not be frequent, scientists
study this because it is important to become aware of its related hazards and that there is a need to
continue researching on such rare phenomenon.

2. What is the estimated recurrence interval of impact of a 1000-km wide object?

A 1000 km wide object has an estimated recurrence of every 10 billion years.

3. If impact can actually happen very frequently, how come there are only a few indicators of
impact (i.e., impact craters) on earth?

It is because of weathering, erosion, volcanism, and tectonic activity as well as the

Earths thicker and stable atmosphere.

4. Do all bolide impact events have devastating effects?

It depends on the size of the object such that the bigger they are the more devastating
they can be.

5. What are the other hazards that bolide impact may trigger? What preparedness measures can be
taken for these?

Large impacts may trigger a drastic change in our climate conditons, wildfires, tsunamis,
and acid rains. The preparations can either be 1.) initiating a space mission to intercept an NEO
either by deflecting or destroying it, and 2.) preparing supplies necessary for survival of the
population that could potentially be affected or evacuating the entire area expected to be affected
by the impact.

Chapter 7.2 Section Assessment (p252)

1. List the causes of ground subsidence and based on the knowledge of the triggering processes,
explain ways to arrest subsidence.

a. Carbonate dissolution and collapse

b. Excessive groundwater withdrawal
c. Extraction of oil and natural gas
d. Earthquakes
 e. Underground mining methods
f. Isostatic rebound
g. Change in season

It is difficult to stop subsidence from happening however; we could lessen this kind of
hazard through the following ways:

a. Use of real-time subsidence monitoring systems in subsidence-prone areas

b. Map out areas which are subsidence-prone
c. Avoid any development in subsidence-prone areas
d. Modify or strengthen structures to be built in subsidence-prone areas if building structures
cannot be avoided
e. Build elevated structures for flood-prone areas; and,
f. Construct dikes, pumping or drainage systems for flood-prone areas

2. How is ground subsidence distinguished from land adjustment due to ground rupture?

Ground subsidence is the relative lowering of the earths surface usually with respect to
the mean sea level. Ground ruptures, on the other hand, generally occurs only along the fault zone
that moves during the earthquake.

3. What is the best way to avoid the effects of ground subsidence?

Probably the best way to avoid the effects of ground subsidence is to help prevent it from
happening which is also a difficult task. We avoid the effects if we monitor subsidence-prone
areas as well as minimize the addition and removal of load on the earths surface such as ground
water, sediments, and others.

4. What engineering remedial measures can be applied to buildings affected by ground subsidence?

The presence of large, thirsty trees is a common cause of subsidence since trees absorb
water from the soil causing clay particles to dry and shrink. This event in turn shrinks cavities
open in the soil thereby causing subsidence. As a remedial measure, carefully select your planting
locations and manage the trees in proximity to your buildings. In addition, improper discharge of
rainwater may cause subsidence by washing away fine soil particles. As such, proper
maintenance of gutters, downpipes and drains will prevent leaks ensuring that water is safely
diverted away from your foundations.

Chapter 7.3 Section Assessment (p256)

1. In what ways can the natural process of coastal erosion be accelerated?

Accelerated coastal erosion happens when there is:

a. Removal of vegetation cover exposing sediment to wind and water action
b. Concentration of drainage water flow into the sea causing erosion on a part of the coast
c. Construction of structures which interrupts with the natural flow of coastal materials
d. Building activities that damage natural protective features; and,
 e. Shipping and boating activities producing extra wave action.

2. Why is the Philippines very prone to the detrimental effects of coastal erosion?

The Philippines is an archipelago which means it has a lot of islands and our country is
surrounded by the ocean. A lot of our communities and livelihood can be seen and depend on
coastal areas.

3. What is the easiest and low-cost method of preventing damage due to coastal erosion?

In my opinion, the easiest and low-cost method to prevent damage due to coastal erosion
is to preserve and restrict activities and development in areas prone to coastal erosion.

4. Cite instances when the construction of protective structures is considered not beneficial?

When the protective structure interferse with the natural flow of coastal materials or
damages these natural protective features such as removal of vegetation due to building of
structures or building of piers or seawalls.

Chapter 7 Assessment (p257)

1. Why are there more visible impact craters on the moon than on the earth?

The moon has thinner and less stable atmosphere than Earth which allows entry of more
extraterrestrial material and promotes preservation of impact craters.

2. What is being done to avoid an impact?

NASA is continuously identifying and tracking all near-earth objects (NEOs) that pose a
great threat of possible impact. The objective of tracking these NEOs is to be able to have enough
lead time (several years) for preparation.

3. How does excessive groundwater withdrawal cause flooding?

The pressure of the fluids filling up voids in permeable sedimentary rocks supports the
overlying rock layers and the ground surface. As such, when fluids are withdrawn in an area, at a
rate that surpasses the rate of replenishment, the fluid pressure will not be maintained and will
result in compaction of the sedimentary rock layers and lowering of the ground surface level.

4. Ground subsidence occurs in a lot of highly populated major cities in Southeast Asia. Which
countries are faced with this problem? Why do you think is this so?

The places experiencing ground subsidence can be located in the United States of
America, Mexico, Japan, China, Italy and Thailand. The reason for this is mainly coastal and
river sediments and withdrawal of groundwater and oil.
 5. Why do areas prone to flooding coincide with areas that have been observed to undergo ground
subsidence?

Urbanizations have expanded in such a way that lowlands such as flood plains were
changed to urban areas. As such, the function to control the floods might have also been reduced
in these areas because of this change.

6. When does coastal erosion become a hazard?

Coastal erosion only becomes a hazard when it poses a threat to the safety of humans and
infrastructure. Exposure to hazards related to coastal erosion is mainly due to inhabitation and
extensive development of coasts into rural areas.

Chapter 8.1 Section Assessment (p263)

1. Can man manage without fires?

No because fire is needed by humanity for survival and it also plays a natural of effecting
necessary change in ecosystems around the world.

2. Enumerate the components of the fire tetrahedron.

The components of a fire tetrahedron are heat, fuel, oxidizing agent, and uninhibited
chemical reaction.

3. Explain the role of each component of the fire tetrahedron in combustion.

a. Heat is the energy that flows from an object of high temperature to an object of low
temperature and it should be an amount which is enough to liberate the vapor from the solid
and liquid forms of fuels and cause ignition.
b. Fuel is any solid, liquid or gaseous substance that can be burned and for combustion to take
place, fuels must be converted first into a gaseous state.
c. An oxidizing agent is an element or a compound which releases oxygen or other oxidizers
during a chemical reaction and it does not burn but rather, supports combustion when
combined with a fuel.
d. An uninhibited chemical chain reaction combustion or burning becomes self-sustained
because the heat given off during combustion is used again to heat the fuel and maintain the
burning. The initial ignition source is no longer necessary and the fire continues unless it
becomes deprived of one of the main elements.

4. What are the different stages of a fire? Why is it important to recognize at what stage a fire is?

The different stages of fire are ignition, growth stage, fully-developed fire stage, decay
stage, and backdraft. Recognizing the different stages of a fire is important to successfully
extinguish or escape a fire before it causes destruction.
 5. Why do fires become uncontrollable? How can we prevent fire damage

Once a fire is burning, it continues to do so as long as it has a sufficient supply of fuel.

Most fire-related emergencies happen when something accidentally catches fire. As an example, a
tree branch that comes too close to a fire can cause the fire to become uncontrollable. A common
mistake made when controlling a fire is putting something on the fire without anticipating the
fire's response. Example, paper sometimes catches fire and floats away; if it lands on dried leaves,
it can start a forest fire. In general, the only liquid that should be placed on a fire is water if the
goal is to extinguish it. Flammable liquids can be dangerous, and not all liquids respond in the
same manner.
To prevent fire damage, it is advised to extinguish is before it causes destruction such as
halting the supply of fuel or other materials which can intensify the effect of fire.

Chapter 8.2 Section Assessment (p268)

1. Why do wildfires occur mostly if not entirely during the first half of the year?

First half of the year is hotter and dryer weather than the latter part of the year. This
allows enough moisture for vegetation to grow favourable for the occurrence of wildfires.

2. Why wildfires do not usually occur at times when lighting is prevalent?

Wildfires are triggered by the tremendous heat associated with lightning strikes and
favored during thunder storms that are accompanied by little to no rain. So basically, wildfires
will not usually occur when there is lightning accompanied by rain.

3. How does kaingin harm land areas where it is employed? What particular type(s) of wildfires are
caused by the kaingin system?

Kaingin is harmful because it can causes wildfires, landslides, flashfloods, and Global
warming. Wildlife losses their homes and some even die. Kaingin can cause surface fires.

4. List and describe five ways by which you can help prevent forest fires.

Man made wildfire should be prevented, but naturally wildfire should be permitted. To
prevent wildfire, it is important to see to it that forests are well maintained. In addition, grazing
can be done to reduce fuel and prevent fire. Forest fires can be reduced by community
participation in fire prevention and in publicity and education efforts. Also passing and enforcing
legislation which requires maintenance of forest as well as impose penalties for commission of
acts which are harmful to forest. Infrastructures and implements such as access roads water
supply facilities and sign posting could also be provided in order to respond quickly and
effectively in the event of a fire.

Chapter 8.3 Section Assessment (p275)

1. Explain why fires are considered natural hazards.

Fires may cause misplacement of neighborhoods and communities as well as claim lives
and turn properties into ashes.
 2. What is the most common cause of building fires in the Philippines? Explain why.

a. Unattended cooking equipment and other household fire sources - because there are a lot of
flammable materials around the house which should be kept away from cooking equipment.
b. Electrical appliances and wiring problems because of counterfeit, uncertified electrical
appliances, worn out or skinned power cords, as well as plugging too many wattage
appliances and outlets.
c. Haphazardly stored flammable liquids and other combustible materials improper storage of
dangerous fluids which easily catch fire.
d. Fireworks and firecrackers this are sold commercially almost everywhere and contain very
potent and hazardous substances which ideally should be stored, transported, and handled by
experts.
e. Arson unlawful act of intentionally burning property to inflict damage.

3. In what fire situations can you not use water to extinguish a building fire?

Class C fires involved fuels and powered electrical equipment. Because of the
involvement of electricity, extinguishing this fire type by water is very dangerous and out of the
question. Class K fires involved fuels such as cooking oil and greases which is why extinguishing
this fire type with water is very dangerous.

4. What is the most appropriate type of fire extinguisher in your house kitchen? Explain.

Wet chemical extinguishers remove the heat in the fire tetrahedron and prevent the fire
from starting again by preventing the oxygen and fuel from interacting these are use to extinguish
class k fires especially commercial cooking equipment.

5. Name the three most basic measures in preventing fires and avoiding casualties during fires in
the following:

a.) At home practice fire prevention and were to exit.

b.) In informal settlements practice were to exit when fire occurs and avoid overloading
electrical outlets.
c.) In factories exercise fire drills

Chapter 8 Assessment (p275)

1. Why are there so many types of fire extinguishers?

Some fire extinguishers can put out several classes of fire while others can be dangerous
to certain fire class. Using the incorrect extinguisher can allow the fire to start again.

2. What are the considerations in deciding whether or not it is worth trying to put out a fire on your
own?
 The considerations include the type of fire class as well as the correct fire extinguisher.

3. If informal settlements, which are quite prone to building fires, cannot be prevented from
mushrooming, what steps must be taken by the government and information settlers themselves to
prevent fires?

The government should provide adequate fire drills and information brigade on what to
do in case there is a fire. Local barangays should help inform their community to avoid octopus
wirings and proper care when using candles.

4. Why is strict compliance with the provisions of building permits important in preventing fires?
Who are the people responsible for implementing and monitoring fire safety regulations? What is
your role as a building dweller in maintaining fire safety?

It is important because it makes the owner comply with the building code which helps in
preventing fires from happening due to cross cutting in building materials for lesser money and
faulty or improper wirings. It is the firemen that are responsible in monitoring fire safety
regulations. It is my role to ensure that I follow the proper maintenance of my dwelling and
observes that electrical appliances are properly plugged and if not in use unplugged. Also I will
avoid octopus wirings.

Chapter 8 Unit Assessment (p275)

1. Name three natural hazards that your community is exposed to. What other specific hazards are
associated with these?

The three natural hazards that our community is exposed to are fire, flood, and
earthquake.

2. Why are your dwelling places and your community particularly prone to these hazards? What are
the origin and nature of these?

Because being in Caloocan, especially in R. Papa which is a known place for being
flooded, the origin of the flooding is the heavy rains improper water drainage. Also the house
here as built very close to each other which also makes this place prone to fire.

3. Which of these has affected your community most recently? Describe how the effects were in
terms of the kind of damage, casualties, and injuries. What were the reasons for the extent of the
impacts?

Fortunately none of these hazard has happened recently.

4. What protective measures has your family adopted for this hazard?

My family practices fire drills and has purchase fire extinguishers.

 5. Are hazard and/or risk maps for the three hazards posted somewhere for the community residents
to see? Are hazard or risk maps and legends or explanations reader-friendly?

There are no hazard or risk maps in our community.

6. What is meant by being pro-active when it comes to dealing with natural hazards?

Being pro-active means being engaged in promoting and practicing how to prevent these
hazards from happening and in case that it does happen knows what to do and teach the
community in dealing with these hazards.

Chapter 9.1 Section Assessment (p283)

1. Explain the difference between DRR and DRRM.

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) refers to the systematic efforts to minimize vulnerabilities
and disaster risks, to avoid (prevention) or to limit (mitigation and preparedness) the effects of
hazards. Disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) involves all activities from pre-disaster to
post disaster activities (recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation).

2. What are the objectives of DRR and DRRM?

DRR aims to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks as well as to avoid or limit the
effects of hazards whereas DRRM aims to reduced the severity of impact of the disaster-causing
event which are undertaken before, during, and after a disaster.

3. If you were given the authority to decide how to spend limited resources for disasters, for which
part of the disaster management cycle would you spend the bulk of the budget? Justify.

I would spend more resources in preparedness for disasters which also includes hazard
maps and analyses as well as the probable effects and planning for prevention of disasters,
warning and evacuating people. The reason for this is that we will never know when a disaster
would hit and we cant prevent natural disasters from happening. Thus, it is much better to be
prepared and to be able to prevent much more damaging affects to occur.

Chapter 9.2 Section Assessment (p292)

1. What are the merits of CBDRRM over the usual government-centered system of disaster
management?

Community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRRM) engages

communities not only in DRR but also in all phases of the disaster management cycle. The task of
decision-making and activity implementation rests primarily on local people and organizations
with the national government assuming a supportive partners role. This is advantageous because
the local people know more about their situation than government organizations who are not
 really living in such communities. Also, it helps the local people to enhance their capabilities
before, during, and after a disaster and thus, their chances of survival increases.

2. Which parts of the earthquake drill involved information and education/hazard awareness
campaigns? What personalities or entities are involved in these campaigns?

3. Cite differences between earthquake and fire drills.

CHAPTER 9 ASSESSMENT

1. Explain why community-based disaster risk reduction and management might be effective or
might not work in the Philippines.
2. In which part of the disaster management cycle can CBRRDM work best?
3. How are the phases of disaster management simulated in an earthquake drill?
4. How can communities participate in the monitoring activities of warning agencies? Will a greater
participation of communities make them more receptive to warning and advisories?