Vulnerability to geophysical hazards varies greatly around the world and is a key concept in IB Geography, particularly within Option D: Geophysical Hazards. Vulnerability refers to how likely people and places are to suffer harm when a hazard occurs. It is shaped not just by the physical hazard itself, but by social, economic, and political factors.
One major factor influencing vulnerability is exposure. Areas located close to tectonic plate boundaries are more exposed to earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Coastal regions near subduction zones face higher tsunami risk, while cities built along fault lines experience frequent earthquakes. High exposure increases vulnerability, especially where large populations live in hazard-prone areas.
Population density is another important factor. Densely populated urban areas are more vulnerable because more people, buildings, and infrastructure are at risk. Rapid urbanisation in hazard-prone regions often leads to informal settlements on unstable land, such as steep slopes or reclaimed land. In IB Geography, this highlights how urban growth can increase disaster risk when planning and regulation are weak.
Levels of economic development strongly influence vulnerability. Low-income countries often experience higher death tolls and longer recovery times after geophysical hazards. Poor-quality housing, limited emergency services, and lack of early warning systems increase vulnerability. In contrast, high-income countries usually have stricter building codes, better infrastructure, and more effective disaster response, reducing loss of life even when hazards are severe.
Governance and preparedness are also crucial. Governments that invest in hazard monitoring, public education, and emergency planning reduce vulnerability. Earthquake drills, evacuation plans, and land-use zoning all help communities respond more effectively. Weak governance, corruption, or lack of enforcement increases vulnerability by allowing unsafe development in high-risk areas.
Social factors further shape vulnerability. Inequality, age, disability, and access to information affect people’s ability to respond to hazards. Marginalised groups often live in the most dangerous locations and have fewer resources to recover. In IB Geography, vulnerability is understood as socially constructed, not just physically determined.
Environmental conditions can also increase vulnerability. Unstable slopes, soft sediments, and waterlogged ground amplify earthquake damage through landslides and liquefaction. These secondary hazards can cause more damage than the initial event.
Finally, resilience plays a key role. Communities with strong social networks, education, and access to resources are better able to recover after disasters. Resilience reduces long-term vulnerability even if exposure remains high.
Overall, some areas are more vulnerable to geophysical hazards because of high exposure, poverty, weak governance, inequality, and low resilience. Understanding vulnerability helps explain why similar hazards can have very different impacts around the world.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students analyse vulnerability clearly, linking physical hazards with human factors to produce strong, exam-ready explanations.
