Processes and Impact of Natural Disasters

3rd grade

Natural disaster

a sudden event caused by environmental factors that results in signifigant damage or loss

earthquake

a shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface

Tsunami

a large ocean wave caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions

flood

an overflow of water onto land taht is normally dry, often caused by heavy rainfall or melting snow

hurricane

a powerful storm with strong winds and heavy rain that forms over warm ocean waters

volcano

a mountain or hill where magma from inside the earth can erupt through the surface, often causing lava flows

landslide

the sudden movement of rock and soil down. aslope, often triggered by heavy rain or earthquakes

drought

a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall resulting in a shortage of water

preparedness

the actions taken in advance to plan for and reduce the impact of a natural disaster

evacuation

the process of moving people from a dangerous area to a safer location during a natural disaster

aftershock

smaller earthquakes that occur after the main shock of a larger earthquake

resilience

the ability of communities to recover quickly from the effects of a natural disaster

seismograph

an instrument used to detect and record the intensity and duration of earthquakes

magnitude

a measure of the energy released during an earthquake, usually reported on the Richter scale

impact

the effect or influence of a natural disaster on people, property, and the environment