---
title: "Define geohazard and list types"
subject: "Engineering Geology II"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_4/engineering_geology_ii:geohazard-definition-types"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/geohazard-definition-types
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define geohazard and list types

Engineering Geology II · Chapter 5: Geological Hazards

- Asked in: 2079 Chaitra, 1+1 marks; 2076 Baisakh, 1 marks (asked 2 times)
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/geohazard-definition-types
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/chapter-5

## Question

What is a geological hazard (geo-hazard)? What are its types?

## Short answer

A geo-hazard is a geological process or condition threatening people and property. Types include endogenic (earthquake, volcanism), exogenic (landslides, floods, erosion), ground-related (subsidence, swelling soils), and glacier/snow hazards.

## Answer

A **geological hazard (geohazard)** is a geological condition, process or event that is dangerous or potentially harmful to people, property and the environment. It arises from the earth's internal (endogenic) or external (exogenic) processes.

#### Types
1. **Internal (endogenic) processes:**
   - Earthquake and related ground rupture, liquefaction, tsunami.
   - Volcanic eruption.
2. **External (exogenic) processes:**
   - Mass movements: landslide, rock fall, debris flow, creep, avalanche.
   - Flood, GLOF, LDOF.
   - Erosion (soil, gully, river bank) and sedimentation.
3. **Ground-related hazards:** subsidence, sinkholes, swelling and collapsible soil, expansive clay.
4. **Glacier and snow hazards:** glacier surge, snow avalanche, permafrost thaw.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is a geohazard?
   A. A geological condition, process or event dangerous to people, property and environment
   B. A harmless rock feature
   C. A man-made accident
   D. A weather forecast
   Answer: A. It arises from endogenic or exogenic processes. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which is an internal (endogenic) hazard?
   A. Debris flow
   B. Volcanic eruption
   C. Gully erosion
   D. Snow avalanche
   Answer: B. Earthquake and volcano come from internal processes. (Key point: Endogenic hazard)

3. Which is a ground-related hazard?
   A. Flood
   B. Snow avalanche
   C. Swelling clay
   D. Earthquake
   Answer: C. Subsidence, sinkholes and expansive soils are ground-related. (Key point: Ground hazard)

## Related in Engineering Geology II

- [GLOF: occurrence, causes and effects](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Aglof-occurrence-effects) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 5, asked 9×