Spatial and temporal distribution of natural disasters
The subject of quantitative research is determining the spatial and temporal distribution of natural disasters worldwide for the period 1900-2013. Considering that it is a mass phenomenon, which consists of multiple units, most preferred scientific method for making conclusions on natural d...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Geographical Institute "Jovan Cvijić" SASA
2014-01-01
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| Series: | Zbornik Radova: Geografski institut "Jovan Cvijić" |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0350-7599/2014/0350-75991403293C.pdf |
| Summary: | The subject of quantitative research is determining the spatial and temporal
distribution of natural disasters worldwide for the period 1900-2013.
Considering that it is a mass phenomenon, which consists of multiple units,
most preferred scientific method for making conclusions on natural disasters
is the statistical method. Thereby, a statistical survey has been conducted
in the way that raw data about all natural disasters in the first step were
downloaded (25.552) in the form of Excel file from the international database
on disasters (CRED) in Brussels, and then analyzed in program for statistical
analysis of data SPSS. Within the geospatial distribution the total number
and consequences of natural disasters were analyzed by continents. According
to the same principle, within temporal analysis we examined distribution of
the total number and effects of natural disasters on annual, monthly and
daily levels. Statistical results of analysis clearly indicate that the
number of natural disasters has increased, with their recorded maximum in the
period from 2000 to 2013. Certainly, one can not absolutely say this is true
in view of starting to pay serious attention to quantitative indicators.
Also, it can not be said that the international database (CRED) included
absolutely all natural disasters in the world, considering that it was
created thanks to the submission of national reports on natural disasters.
Such way of data collection can have serious shortcomings, given the diverse
subjectivities. In addition, the question that arises is whether most
underdeveloped countries submitted their reports. Bearing in mind the
increasing trend in the number and severity of natural disasters in the
global geographic space, the survey results represent a good argument for
initiation of serious reforms of the system of protection and rescue against
natural disasters in countries around the world. Results of research impact
on raising awareness among citizens about the seriousness of the consequences
of natural disasters to humans, environment and their property. |
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| ISSN: | 0350-7599 1821-2808 |