Tools for Monitoring
Disaster Indicators
What Am I?
Vocabulary Builders
Advanced Monitoring Tools
100

This machine measures the shaking of the ground during an earthquake.

seismograph

100

This indicator describes how often a disaster happens. If there is one flood every year, its indicator is high.

frequency?

100

I am a long period of time without enough rain. Farmers worry about me.

Drought

100

What is a synonym (a word with a similar meaning) for the word "monitor"? (Simple definition: to watch or check carefully)

Observe, track, or watch

100

This is a machine that flies in space. It takes pictures of clouds and storms from above to track things like hurricanes. (It's an easy start!)

Satellite

200

Scientists use these instruments, which orbit the Earth, to take pictures and track large storms like hurricanes.

satellites

200

This indicator describes how long a disaster lasts. A hurricane that moves slowly over three days has a long amount of this.

Duration

200

I am a giant wave in the ocean, often caused by an underwater earthquake.

Tsunami

200

What is the simple definition for the verb "predict"? Use the word in a simple sentence.

To say what will happen in the future? (Example sentence: Scientists predict the hurricane will arrive tomorrow.)

200

This very sensitive tool is placed on the side of a mountain or volcano. It measures tiny changes in the ground's slope to see if the volcano is swelling.

Tiltmeter

300

This is a special type of weather equipment that uses radio waves to measure the speed and direction of wind and rain, helping predict severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Doppler radar

300

This indicator describes how quickly a disaster begins, from the moment of detection to the full impact. Flash floods have a very fast indicator of this.

Speed of onset

300

I am the center or starting point of an earthquake, located deep inside the Earth.

Hypocenter

300

If a scientist gives a "warning," they are giving a serious statement about a possible danger. Say a sentence using an adjective form of this word, "warning." (e.g., a warning sign)

Is a warning signal or a warning light? (Example sentence: The warning siren made a loud noise.)

300

This instrument is put across a fault line (where Earth's plates meet). It measures very slow, gradual movement of the ground, which can help predict earthquake risks.

Creepmeter

400

These are underwater sensors placed on the ocean floor that can detect changes in pressure and water height, giving an early warning for tsunamis. (Hint: The name is often an acronym like DART).

Buoys

400

This indicator describes how large of an area a disaster covers. A massive drought covering several countries has a very large measure of this.

Aerial extent

400

I am a fast-spinning column of air that touches the ground and is often called a twister. I am measured using the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale).

tornado

400

The word "severity" means how serious or intense a disaster is. What is an antonym (a word with the opposite meaning)?

lexibility. gentleness. laxness. mildness.

400

This instrument is attached to a weather balloon and sent high into the atmosphere. It sends back information about air temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

Radio sonde

500

This is an older, simpler tool used on land to measure the amount of rainfall over a specific period, often consisting of a funnel and a collecting tube.

Rain Gauge

500

This indicator describes the size or power of a disaster, usually measured on a scale (like the Richter Scale for earthquakes or the Saffir-Simpson Scale for hurricanes).

Magnitude

500

I am a fast-moving slide of mud, rocks, and water down a slope, often happening after a wildfire or heavy rain. I am very dangerous because I happen suddenly.

Mudslide

500

The word "mitigation" means reducing the severity or seriousness of something. Use the noun and its related verb, "mitigate," in one sentence to explain how a community prepares for floods.

Example: The town built flood barriers for mitigation, hoping to mitigate the damage from high water.

500

This is a satellite that orbits the Earth at a very high altitude, moving at the same speed as the Earth turns. This allows it to always view the same, large area of the planet for continuous monitoring of weather.

Geostationary platform

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