Natural Hazards Basics
What is a natural hazard?
A natural event that has the potential to cause harm to people or the environment.
What causes earthquakes?
Movement of tectonic plates
What is molten rock called when it reaches the Earth’s surface?
Lava
What are tropical cyclones called in the Atlantic Ocean?
Hurricanes
What does the term “preparedness” mean in disaster management?
Actions taken before a hazard to reduce impacts.
What is the difference between a natural hazard and a natural disaster?
A hazard becomes a disaster when it causes significant damage, deaths, or disruption to communities.
What instrument measures earthquakes?
A seismograph
What is molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface called?
Magma
What conditions are needed for tropical cyclones to form?
Warm ocean water, moist air, and low wind shear.
What is an evacuation?
Moving people away from a dangerous area.
Name 2 types of natural hazards
earthquakes, floods, cyclones, bushfires, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis.
What is the point underground where an earthquake starts called?
The Focus
What type of tectonic plate boundary commonly creates volcanoes?
Convergent or divergent boundaries.
What is the calm centre of a cyclone called?
The Eye
Name one way communities can reduce disaster risk.
Early warning systems, stronger buildings, evacuation plans.
What factor often determines whether a hazard becomes a disaster?
Population, damage, preparedness etc.
What is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus?
The Epicentre
What is a ring of volcanoes and earthquakes around the Pacific Ocean called?
The Pacific Ring of Fire
Name 2 cyclones/hurricanes that have occurred around the world.
Answers may vary
What is the term for rebuilding after a disaster?
Recovery
What is the term used to describe how vulnerable a community is to a hazard?
Vulnerability
What scale measures the energy released by an earthquake?
The Richter Scale
Name one major hazard caused by volcanic eruptions.
Ash clouds, lava flows, pyroclastic flows, lahars.
Name two impacts of tropical cyclones on communities.
Flooding, strong winds, storm surges, damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Why are poorer countries often more vulnerable to disasters?
Less infrastructure, fewer resources, weaker emergency systems.