Types of Natural Disasters

Natural Hazards

4.1.1

​Take the next few minutes to complete the knowledge check. This must be completed, do not submit it in blank. Try your best!

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Knowledge Check

Objectives

Learners can:

• describe factors that classify an event as a natural hazard

• explore the significance of natural hazards on societies

• thunderstorm

• weather

Prerequisite Vocab

• natural disaster

• natural hazard

New Vocab

Vocabulary

a natural event that causes great damages or loss of life

Natural disaster

a natural even that has the potential for significant impacts on living things and the environment

natural Hazard

Categorize

Options (2)

the properties of the atmosphere at a given time and location

a weather event characterized by thunder, lightning, and heavy rain

Match the vocabulary word to its definition.

weather

thunderstorm

Honey bees are one of the most important insects on the planet, playing a crucial role in pollinating crops and producing honey. However, like all living creatures, honey bees are vulnerable to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes.

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Honey Bees

Natural Hazard

Natural hazards are an inherent part of living on Earth. A natural hazard is a natural event that has the potential for significant impacts on living things and the environment. Natural hazards include events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

Natural hazards cannot be controlled or prevented. However, planning helps prepare for natural hazards. Studying natural hazards involves experts from various fields, including scientists, engineers, and emergency responders.

• collect data on past events to analyze patterns and trends

• use computer models to predict the likelihood of future threats.

​​Scientists

• create design strategies to reduce impact

• develop warning systems and evacuation plans

Engineers

• manage responses to natural disasters

• provide relief to people and areas impacted

Emergency Responders

Natural Disaster

Natural disasters are the outcome of natural hazards that have caused destruction. A natural disaster is a natural event that causes significant damage or loss of life. Natural disasters can have long-lasting effects on the affected communities.

• event that causes significant harm or damage

• ex. Hurricane Katrina, Indian Ocean Earthquake, etc.

Natural Disaster

• has potential to cause harm or damage

• ex. earthquake, volcanic eruption, hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire. etc.

Natural Hazard

Natural Hazard vs. Natural Disaster

Categorize

Options (6)

has potential to cause harm or damage

has caused significant harm or damage

earthquake

volcanic eruption

Hurricane Sandy

Johnstown Flood

Match the descriptions with the correct definition.

Natural Hazard

Natural Disaster

violent shaking of the ground as a result of movements in Earth's crust

Earthquake

can be caused by earthquakes, magma accumulation, or buildup of gases

Volcanic Eruption

clusters of thunderstorms moving across warm ocean waters (80°F)

Hurricane

develop from severe thunderstorms in warm, moist, unstable air along a cold front

Tornado

​Examples of natural Hazard

Impacts of Natural Hazards

• affect people and relationships

• loss of life and injury

• homelessness

• psychological distress

​​Social

• affect jobs and businesses

• loss of jobs and income

• disruption to transportation

• increased insurance costs

economic

• affect local ecosystems

• destruction of natural resources

• contamination of soil, water, and air

environmental

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best describes natural hazards?

• 
  Natural hazards can never be predicted and always result in disasters.

• 
  Natural hazards have no impact on the environment or the economy.

• 
  Natural hazards are events that pose a threat to human life and property.

• Natural hazards only occur in remote, unpopulated areas.