Natural Disasters Flashcard Study Guide

Front

What is an extremely large, powerful, and destructive storm with very strong winds that occurs especially in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean?

Back

hurricane

Front

What is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust?

Back

earthquake

Front

What is a violent and destructive storm in which powerful winds move around a central point?

Back

tornado

Front

What is a severe snowstorm that goes on for a long time?

Back

blizzard

Front

What is a very high, large wave in the ocean that is usually caused by an earthquake under the sea and that can cause great destruction when it reaches land?

Back

tsunami

Front

What is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water?

Back

drought

Front

What is a fire in a wild area (such as a forest) that is not controlled and that can burn a large area very quickly?

Back

wildfire

Front

What is a sudden explosion of rock, ash, and lava?

Back

volcanic eruption

Front

What is the sliding down of a mass of earth or rock from a mountain or cliff?

Back

landslide

Front

What is an overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land?

Back

flood