What is an example of a geological factor contributing to natural hazards?

The correct answer highlights geological factors such as earthquakes and landslides, which are inherently linked to the Earth's physical processes. Earthquakes occur due to the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, which can be triggered by tectonic plate movements. This geological activity is a significant contributor to natural hazards, posing serious risks to life and property.

Landslides are also geological events that occur when the stability of a slope is compromised, often due to factors like heavy rain or seismic activity. Both earthquakes and landslides can result in devastating consequences, including injuries, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of life.

In contrast, urbanization patterns, severe weather conditions, and population growth, while related to natural hazards, describe social and environmental factors rather than geological processes. Urbanization can affect how hazards impact populations, but it doesn't directly contribute to the geological phenomena themselves. Severe weather, such as hurricanes or floods, is meteorological rather than geological in nature. Similarly, population dynamics, like growth in coastal areas, can heighten vulnerability to natural hazards but do not originate from geological processes. Understanding the geological roots of certain hazards is essential for effective disaster preparedness and mitigation.