Unit 19: Natural Disasters pt 1

NATURAL DISASTERS An event that occurs naturally and affects the earth’s surface and environment –Man made disasters occur as a result of human error and or accidents

Can be land, water or weather disasters –Land disasters occur due to movement of the earth’s land surface Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides and avalanches –Water disasters involve huge amounts of water moving at a greater speed Floods, storms and tsunamis –Weather disasters occur due to extreme changes in weather elements Tornadoes, droughts, blizzards, heat waves NATURAL DISASTERS

TYPHOONS Unit 19: Typhoons

WHAT IS A TYPHOON? Large tropical storms that produce strong winds and large volumes of rains Occurs during certain periods of the year Eye of the typhoon is a low pressure region where the winds spin –Strong winds and rains surround the eye of the storm Unit 19: Typhoons

EFFECTS OF TYPHOONS ON THE ENVIRONMENT –May cause landslides, uproot trees, –May produce a storm surge (rise in the water level as the typhoon makes a land fall) which may result to flooding ON PROPERTIES –Water and wind damage of properties such as cars, houses, and even death may result Unit 19: Typhoons

SIGNS OF AN APPROACHING TYPHOON Satellite pictures –Show speed of wind, clouds and storms –Can estimate the course and strength of a typhoon Aircrafts pick up info by flying close to it Ships monitor oceanic temp Weather radars on land Unit 19: Typhoons

MEASURES TO BE OBSERVED Before a typhoon –Turn off and unplug appliances –Secure glass windows –Secure objects which may be carried by the wind –If and when needed, go to an evacuation center –Bring an emergency kit –If not, stay indoors and away from windows –Hide in basements and underground bunkers –Have an adequate supply of clothes, food, batteries, drinking water; have portable radio Unit 19: Typhoons

MEASURES TO BE OBSERVED During a typhoon –Continue to stay indoors –Monitor radio for updates Unit 19: Typhoons

MEASURES TO BE OBSERVED After a typhoon –Be careful in going around the premises Be on the lookout for broken materials, including electrical lines –Ensure structural integrity of your house –Stay away from flood waters, if possible Unit 19: Typhoons

VOLCANIC Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions ERUPTIONS

VOLCANOES An opening in the ground though which lava, hot gases, ash and rocks are released at a great force. They are formed when tectonic plates move towards or away from each other The PLATE TECTONIC theory explains why plates move Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions

HOW A VOLCANO ERUPTS Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions

THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE Belt around the Pacific Ocean Active volcanoes are located due to the active movement of the plates Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions

TYPES OF VOLCANOES Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions Erupts regularly in the past and will do so again in the future Active A currently inactive volcano but still shows signs of eruption Dormant Scientists consider them unlikely to erupt Extinct Taal VolcanoThree Sisters in Colorado Cococachi in Equador

DANGERS OF AN ERUPTION Explosive (pyroclastic) eruptions may –Eject ash, gas and very big rocks Makes breathing difficult Smell of sulphur is foul –Hot lava may destroy outlying properties Non explosive eruptions may also destroy properties Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions

SIGNS OF A VOLCANIC ERUPTION A volcanic eruption may be predicted As magma starts to move – Seismographs and seismometers detect and record this –Gas and steam emissions –Tremors and bulges Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions

MEASURES TO BE OBSERVED Before a volcanic eruption –For those living near volcanoes –Keep eye and mouth protection –Put together an emergency kit –Stay away from permanent danger zones –Do not resist evacuation Know evacuation route Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions

MEASURES TO BE OBSERVED During a volcanic eruption –Stay clear of lava and other pyroclastic materials –Avoid rivers and other low lying areas Route taken by hot lava and lahar (water and mud) –Protect arms and legs, as well as eyes and mouth –Close windows and doors to prevent ash from getting in the house Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions

MEASURES TO BE OBSERVED After a volcanic eruption –Remove ash from roofs (have adults do this) –Continue wearing protective gears –Stay away from rivers which may be routes of lahar Unit 19: Volcanic Eruptions

sources gadgets.boingboing.net wunderground.com worldatlas.com pacificislandparks.com volcanochild.co.uk Istockphoto.com ecuador-travel.net ellerbruch.nmu.edu eos.higp.hawaii.edu armageddononline.org oml13.glogster.com