Geography Study Guide: Natural Disasters

Flashcards for vocabulary related to natural disasters, based on the provided study guide.

Natural Disaster

A sudden, extreme event caused by natural forces that can cause damage to people, animals, buildings, and the environment.

Earthquakes

Caused by shaking of the Earth's surface due to movement in the Earth's crust (tectonic plates). Can cause buildings to collapse, landslides, and tsunamis.

Fault Lines

Cracks in the Earth where earthquakes happen.

Richter Scale

Measures earthquake strength.

Volcanoes

When magma (molten rock) escapes from inside the Earth, forming lava, ash clouds, and gases.

Magma

Molten rock from inside the earth.

Floods

Happens when water covers land that is normally dry, caused by heavy rain, rivers overflowing, or broken dams.

Droughts

A long period with little or no rain, leading to water shortages, crop failure, and hunger.

Cyclones / Hurricanes / Typhoons

Powerful rotating storms with strong winds and heavy rain, called different names based on location.

Tsunamis

Huge sea waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanoes.

Epicenter

The point on the Earth's surface above the earthquake origin

Lava

Molten rock flowing from a volcano

Evacuation

Moving people away from danger