Natural Disasters

Epicenter

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

Lava

Magma rock that has erupted and flowed onto the Earth's surface.

Erosion

The geological process where natural forces like water and wind gradually wear away and transport earthen materials from one place to another.

Wildfire

A large, unplanned, and uncontrolled ____ that spreads rapidly through a natural area such as a forest or grassland.

Crown Fire

A specific type of wildfire that burns through the tops of trees, separate from the fire on the forest floor.

Tsunami

A series of large ocean waves typically caused by a major underwater disturbance, such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption.

Storm Surge

An abnormal rise in sea level generated by a powerful storm, like a hurricane, that pushes a mound of water toward the shore.

Monsoon

A seasonal shift in prevailing winds that can cause a long period of either heavy rain or very dry weather.

Floodplain

A low-lying area of land next to a river or stream that is prone to flooding when the water level rises.

Levee

An artificial embankment or raised bank, typically made of earth, built alongside a river to prevent flooding.

Infrastructure

The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, such as transportation, communications, power, and water systems.

Adaption

The process of changing to better suit one's surroundings or a new situation.

Lava Bombs

Blobs of molten lava that are explosively ejected from a volcano, hardening as they fly through the air.

Pyroclastic Flow

A fast-moving and extremely hot mixture of gas, ash, and volcanic rock fragments that flows down the side of a volcano.

Fire Front

The leading edge of a moving wildfire where continuous flaming combustion is taking place.

Volcanoes

Building codes requiring elevated structures and reinforced rooftops.

Wildfires

Controlled Burns to reduce fuel buildup.

Earthquakes

Engineering flexible foundations and emergency response plans.

Tsunamis

Building codes requiring elevated structures and reinforced rooftops.

Floods

Levees, drainage systems, and wetland restoration

Mount Vesuvius

Volcanoe

_______ Katrina

Hurricane

1906 San Francisco _____

Earthquake & Wildfire

Northern California Summers Lately

Wildfires

Fukushima 2011

Tsunami

Magma

Lava that is found beneath the Earth's surface.