On the back, illustrate an example of each natural disaster Catastrophic Events: An event that results from natural Earth processes that can cause damage and endanger human life Fold your paper like this: On the back, illustrate an example of each natural disaster One catastrophic event goes into each of the sections

Often accompanied by torrential rains Occur June-November Hurricanes: A large rotating windstorm that forms over warm ocean water Wind speed >74 mph Huge, many miles across Often accompanied by torrential rains Occur June-November Gets its energy from warm water Calm center of the storm is called the eye Strongest winds surround the eye (eye wall)

Hurricanes: Impact Impact on Land Storm surge: Flood of ocean water pushed onto land by the hurricane winds (causes most deaths associated with hurricanes) Heavy rain and flooding: After hurricanes make landfall, and their winds slow down, the amount of rainfall becomes a major factor, and can cause significant flooding. Beach Erosion: waves and the storm surge move sand and rocks from one place to another and changes the shape of shorelines Impact on Humans Destroys beachfront properties (waves and storm surge) Floods roads/homes (rain and storm surge) Wind blows down trees, fences, power lines, etc. Most damage is due to flooding and the storm surge

Occur during thunderstorms Wind damage Spring/Summer Tornado: A funnel shaped column of rotating air (wind) that stretches from the bottom of clouds to the ground Wind speed 40-318 mph ~250 ft across (average) Occur during thunderstorms Wind damage Spring/Summer Mostly in the central U.S. (Tornado Alley)

Tornados: Impact On Land Knocks down trees and other tall objects On Humans Blow windows outward Destroy buildings and bridges Most damage caused by the wind On Land Knocks down trees and other tall objects Often accompanied by hail (ice falling from the sky) Destroys crops and other living things they pass through

Caused by: Heavy rains (hurricanes & thunderstorms) Floods: An overflow of water that covers land not normally covered by water Caused by: Heavy rains (hurricanes & thunderstorms) Storm surge (hurricanes) Tsunamis

Floods: Impact On Land: Erosion of beaches and riverbanks (negative) Deposits new soil (positive) On humans: Destroys crops Destroys buildings and property Drowning

Earthquakes: Movement of rock along cracks in the Earth's surface (faults) Caused by the movement of tectonic plates floating on melted rock under the Earth's crust Strength is measured on the Richter Scale

Earthquakes: Impact On Humans: On Land: Destroy buildings and roads (negative) Break underground gas lines and pipes Cause fires when the gas is ignited On Land: Build mountains (positive)

Volcano: An opening in the Earth's crust that allows magma/lava (melted rock) to come out Often occur near edges of tectonic plates

Volcanoes: Impact On Land: Releases ash into the air (negative) Forms new mountains/islands (positive) On Living Things: Burns/knocks down trees Forces animals to relocate Destroys habitats near the volcano

Tsunamis: A large wave caused by underwater earthquakes or landslides. Usually occur in the ocean Can be over 100 feet tall

Tsunamis: Impact On Land: Creates floods Erodes beaches Destroys crops On Humans: Destroys buildings Kills many people (Indonesia, Japan, etc.)

Wildfires: An uncontrolled fire which burns vegetation (grasses, trees, etc.) Can be caused naturally by lightning Can be caused by humans (playing with matches, etc.) Occur more frequently during times of drought (low rainfall)

Wildfires: Impact On Humans: Destroys crops On Land: Burn homes or buildings On Land: Destroys plants Causes animals to relocate Produces fertile soil (positive)

Answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES Answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES. You do not have to write the questions. Describe how people can reduce their risk from a natural hazard. Many new homes have been built in valleys near Mt. Rainier, a volcano in Washington state that might erupt again. Should people continue building new homes there? Explain. Is it possible for one natural disaster to cause another natural disaster? Describe and explain. Is there any time a catastrophic event could have a beneficial effect of the environment? How would the ability to predict a catastrophic event ahead of time be beneficial to people?