NATURAL HAZARDS
A naturally occurring event that can negatively affect humans or the environment
Natural Hazard
Hazards caused by processes inside Earth such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
Geologic Hazards
Molten rock beneath Earth’s surface
Magma
Efforts to forecast the occurrence, intensity, or effects of a natural hazard
natural hazard prediction
fforts to reduce damage or loss of life caused by natural disasters
hazard mitigation
When a natural hazard causes widespread injury, death, or property damage it becomes this
Natural Disaster
Hazards caused by atmospheric conditions such as storms, blizzards, and droughts
weather and climate hazards
Molten rock once it reaches Earth’s surface
Lava
Events or signals that occur before a hazard happens
precursor events
Actions taken before a disaster to reduce damage and keep people safe
preparation
Massive storms with high winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding
Hurricane
Too much rain that causes water to overflow onto land
Flood
A fast-moving flow of hot ash, gases, and rock moving down a volcano
pyroclastic flow
Information about past natural hazards used to predict future events
historical data
Actions taken during a disaster to help people and reduce harm
Response
Weather events with strong rotating winds that may include hail and rain
A Tornado
A long period with little or no rainfall
Drought
A mudflow created when volcanic heat melts ice or snow
Lahar
Instruments and technology used to track conditions like earthquakes or storms
monitoring technology
Rebuilding and restoring communities after a disaster
Recovery
A sudden violent shaking of the ground caused by movement in Earth’s crust
Earthquake
A powerful ocean wave caused by underwater earthquakes, landslides, or eruptions
Tsunami
A volcano that has erupted in the past 10,000 years
Active Volcano
Scientists who study weather and predict storms
meteorologists
Rules that require buildings to be designed to survive hazards
building codes