Author's Perspective
What do you think the author wants readers to understand about natural disasters through the examples given?
The author wants readers to understand that there are unusual types of natural disasters beyond the common ones.
What problem did the eruption of Mount Tambora cause in North America?
The eruption caused severe weather conditions leading to food shortages and frost.
What is the central idea of the text regarding natural disasters?
The central idea is that natural disasters can have unexpected and severe consequences.
What caused the year without a summer in 1815, and what was one effect of this event?
The eruption caused the year without a summer, leading to food shortages.
How does the author use the phrase "weird disasters" to describe certain events? What does that tell you about their perspective?
The phrase "weird disasters" indicates that the author sees these events as extraordinary and not typically recognized.
How did scientists find a solution to the deadly cloud from Lake Nyos?
Scientists installed pipes to slowly release CO2 from the lake to prevent future disasters.
Can you identify two details that support the central idea about the impact of volcanic eruptions?
Details include the extreme weather conditions and food shortages caused by the eruption.
How did the explosion of the asteroid in Tunguska cause destruction to the surrounding forest?
The asteroid caused an explosion that flattened a vast area of trees.
Why do you think the author chose to include historical examples like the eruption of Mount Tambora and the Lake Nyos disaster?
The author includes historical examples to show the long-lasting impact of natural disasters on humanity.
What was the major problem faced by the people living near Lake Nyos on August 21, 1986?
The problem was the sudden release of a deadly gas cloud that suffocated people.
How does the example of the Tunguska Event contribute to understanding the central idea?
The Tunguska Event illustrates the destructive power of asteroids and their effects on Earth.
Explain how the release of carbon dioxide from Lake Nyos affected the people living nearby?
The CO2 cloud replaced oxygen, leading to suffocation and death.
What emotions do you think the author is trying to evoke in the reader when describing the effects of these disasters?
The author likely wishes to evoke feelings of shock and concern for the victims of these disasters.
What steps were taken after the Lake Nyos disaster to prevent another tragedy?
They installed pipes to let CO2 escape gradually, preventing another deadly incident.
What detail about the Lake Nyos disaster emphasizes its severity?
The detail about the number of casualties highlights the disaster's severity.
What were the effects of the Tambora eruption on global temperatures?
The eruption lowered temperatures globally, causing widespread starvation.
How does the author's choice of phrases, such as "fiery ball" and "frothy plume," affect your understanding of the disasters?
It helps create a stronger mental picture of the disasters, enhancing the reader's understanding.
How did the effects of the Tambora eruption create problems worldwide, and what was the solution to these problems?
The Tambora eruption affected weather patterns globally, leading to severe temperature drops.
Why is the year "1815" significant in relation to the central idea presented in the text?
The year 1815 is significant as it marked a notable period of unusual climate caused by a volcanic eruption.
What was the cause of the deadly cloud that emerged from Lake Nyos, and what effect did it have on the local population?
The CO2 release caused the cloud, which resulted in the deaths of many nearby.