Natural Disaster Review

Nuclear fission

Unstable radioactive atoms decay to form stable 'daughter' atoms.

Insolation

Incoming solar radiation, primarily visible light.

Convergent boundary

Where plates collide, causing geological features like mountains.

Elastic rebound

Sudden release of energy after rocks 'snap' back into place.

Primary (P) Waves

The fastest seismic waves that move through solids and liquids.

Secondary (S) Waves

Seismic waves that are slower and can only move through solids.

Richter Scale

A scale that measures the magnitude of earthquakes.

Composite Cone Volcano

A large, symmetrical volcano formed from alternating layers of lava and pyroclastics.

Pahoehoe Lava

Low viscosity lava that is fast-moving, smooth, and ropy in texture.

Subduction Zones

Areas where converging plates create magma, often resulting in explosive volcanic activity.

Lahar

A volcanic mudflow that can travel rapidly down river valleys.

Seismic Gap Theory

The theory that suggests that segments of active faults that have not experienced earthquakes for long periods are more likely to experience an earthquake.

Base Isolation

A method of mitigating earthquake damage by using rubber bearings to reduce ground motion.

Asthenosphere

The plastic region of the upper mantle that undergoes slow motion to drive plate movement.

Explosive Blast

A volcanic hazard that can devastate large areas.

Gravity

The force of attraction between Earth and objects, crucial for events like landslides.

Magnitude

Refers to the amount of energy released during an earthquake.

Seismometer

Devices used to detect and record seismic waves.

Cinder Cone Volcano

A steep, small volcano formed from pyroclastics.

Surface Waves

Seismic waves that move slower than body waves and cause more damage.

Volcanic Hazards

Potential dangers from volcanic eruptions, including lava flows, toxic gases, and pyroclastic flows.

Circum-Pacific Belt

A major earthquake belt that encircles the Pacific Ocean, known for high seismic activity.