MS-ESS3-2: Natural Hazards: Forecasting and Mitigation

MS-ESS3-2
Natural Hazards: Forecasting and Mitigation

Middle School

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Learning Objectives

• Describe how the theory of plate tectonics explains the location of natural hazards.

• Analyze data on natural hazards to identify patterns and forecast future events.

• Describe how technologies are developed to mitigate the effects of catastrophic events.

• Distinguish between predictable hazards with precursors and those that are not predictable.

Key Vocabulary

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Plate Tectonics

The scientific theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle.

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Natural Hazard

A natural event such as a flood, earthquake, or hurricane that poses a threat to people.

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Forecast

To predict or estimate a future event or trend based on scientific data and observation.

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Magnitude

The measure of the size or strength of an event, like an earthquake's power.

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Frequency

The rate at which something occurs or is repeated over a particular period of time.

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Mitigation

The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something, like a natural disaster.

Key Vocabulary

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Precursor

A precursor is an event or sign that indicates another, larger event is coming soon.

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Geologic Forces

Geologic forces are the powerful natural processes that shape and change the Earth's crust over time.

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Tsunami

A tsunami is a very large and powerful ocean wave, often caused by underwater earthquakes.

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Seismograph

A seismograph is a scientific instrument used by scientists to detect and measure an earthquake's strength.

The Dawn of an Idea

• The theory of plate tectonics was accepted by scientists in the 1960s.

• The first clues came from world maps in the late 1500s.

• Africa and South America's coastlines appeared to fit together like a puzzle.

Multiple Choice

When did the scientific community formally accept the theory of plate tectonics?

• In the 1500s

• In the 1960s

• In the 1800s

• In the 2000s

Multiple Choice

What was the first clue that led scientists to develop the idea of plate tectonics?

• The location of major volcanoes was discovered.

• The coastlines of Africa and South America appeared to fit together.

• The existence of deep ocean trenches was confirmed.

• The presence of similar rock types on different continents was noted.

Multiple Choice

What logical conclusion can be drawn from the observation that the coastlines of Africa and South America seem to fit together?

• That the maps from the 1500s were perfectly accurate.

• That these continents were likely once joined together.

• That ocean currents are responsible for shaping continents.

• That the fit of the coastlines is only a coincidence.

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Puzzling Discoveries

• Explorers found geologic puzzles that existing scientific ideas could not explain.

• ​One puzzle was finding fossils of sea creatures on high mountain peaks.

• Another was the specific pattern of volcanoes and earthquakes around the world.

• Scientists wondered if the continents were once joined as a single landform.

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Multiple Choice

What fundamental problem did early explorers face with their geologic discoveries?

• They encountered puzzles that could not be explained by current scientific ideas.

• They lacked the modern technology needed for exploration.

• They were unable to create accurate maps of the continents.

• They found that all geologic formations were identical.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a geologic puzzle that scientists observed?

• The different types of clouds found around the world.

• The reasons for the changing of the seasons.

• The specific global pattern of volcanoes and earthquakes.

• The fossils of land animals found in deserts.

Multiple Choice

Based on evidence like seafloor fossils on mountains and the pattern of volcanoes, what new idea did scientists begin to consider?

• The continents were once joined together as a single landform.

• Mountains are formed by the pressure of ocean water.

• Volcanoes are the primary cause of fossil formation.

• Earthquakes are a result of changing sea levels.

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The Earth's Changing Surface

• Earth's surface is not static; it is constantly being reshaped.

• Powerful forces deep inside our planet drive these continuous changes.

• These internal forces are responsible for moving the Earth's tectonic plates.

• Oceanic volcanoes erupt, and the cooling lava creates new land.

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the nature of Earth's surface?

• It is dynamic and constantly being reshaped.

• It is a single, solid piece that never moves.

• It changes primarily due to human activities.

• It has remained the same since its formation.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary cause of the large-scale, continuous changes on Earth's surface?

• The gravitational pull of the moon.

• Weathering and erosion on the continents.

• Internal forces that move tectonic plates.

• The changing of the seasons.

Multiple Choice

Based on the forces described, what is a predictable outcome of prolonged volcanic activity in the ocean?

• The formation of new land from cooling lava.

• A rapid decrease in the ocean's water level.

• The immediate halt of all tectonic plate movement.

• The creation of a deep underwater trench.

Mapping Natural Hazards

• Mapping natural hazards helps scientists identify patterns in their location and frequency.

• These hazards often occur in specific zones, like along tectonic plate boundaries.

• This helps us forecast the locations and likelihoods of future geologic events.

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of mapping natural hazards?

• To identify patterns in their location and frequency.

• To prevent tectonic plates from moving.

• To change the weather in different zones.

• To stop all future geologic events from happening.

Multiple Choice

What is the relationship between mapping natural hazards and tectonic plate boundaries?

• Mapping reveals that many hazards are concentrated along these boundaries.

• Mapping causes natural hazards to occur at tectonic plate boundaries.

• Tectonic plate boundaries are created by the process of mapping.

• Only areas far from tectonic plate boundaries are mapped for hazards.

Multiple Choice

If scientists use mapping to identify a new, active tectonic plate boundary, what can they most likely forecast?

• The area near the boundary has a higher likelihood of future geologic events.

• The area will now be completely safe from all natural hazards.

• The frequency of natural hazards around the world will decrease.

• The location of the continents will immediately change.

Forecasting Catastrophic Events

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Volcanic Eruptions

• Some natural hazards have signs called precursors that allow for reliable predictions.

• Volcanic eruptions can be forecasted by monitoring ground swelling and gas emissions.

• Monitoring small earthquakes near a volcano also helps predict an upcoming eruption.

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Earthquakes

• Other hazards like earthquakes happen suddenly with no reliable signs or precursors.

• Scientists can identify high-risk areas but cannot predict the exact time.

• Therefore, earthquakes are not yet predictable with our current scientific methods.

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Hurricanes

• Severe weather events like hurricanes are tracked in real-time by satellites.

• This allows for several days of warning before the storm makes landfall.

• These advance warnings give people in the storm's path time to prepare.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of monitoring precursors, such as gas emissions and ground swelling, for natural hazards?

• To predict when a hazard might occur

• To prevent the hazard from happening

• To change the location of the hazard

• To measure the size of the hazard after it occurs

Multiple Choice

How does the predictability of volcanic eruptions compare to the predictability of earthquakes?

• Volcanoes have reliable warning signs, while earthquakes currently do not.

• Satellites can track volcanoes, but not areas at risk for earthquakes.

• Earthquakes only happen in areas that are not monitored by scientists.

• Volcanic eruptions are much slower and less dangerous than earthquakes.

Multiple Choice

A community is located in an area prone to both hurricanes and earthquakes. Why would an advance warning for a hurricane be more effective for ensuring public safety than a warning for an earthquake?

• The hurricane warning provides a specific time and path, allowing for preparation, while precise earthquake warnings are not possible.

• Emergency plans for hurricanes are funded by the government, while earthquake plans are not.

• Satellites that track hurricanes can also weaken the storm, making preparation easier.

• People living in coastal areas are always better prepared for disasters than people living inland.

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Technology for Mitigating Natural Hazards

• Engineers develop technologies to protect people and property from natural hazards.

• For earthquakes, buildings are designed to flex instead of collapsing.

• In tornado-prone areas, storm shelters and fortified basements provide safety.

• Levees are built along rivers to prevent flooding from heavy rains.

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of developing technologies like flexible buildings, storm shelters, and levees?

• To protect people and property from natural hazards.

• To prevent natural hazards from ever happening.

• To change the weather and climate patterns.

• To study the causes of earthquakes and tornadoes.

Multiple Choice

What is the relationship between a levee and a river during heavy rains?

• A levee is a barrier built along a river to prevent it from overflowing.

• A levee is a type of storm shelter used during heavy rains.

• A levee helps a building flex and sway during a flood.

• A levee is used to provide safety from tornadoes in flat areas.

Multiple Choice

An engineer is tasked with designing a new skyscraper in an area with frequent earthquakes. Based on the principles described, which approach would be most effective for protecting the building?

• Build fortified basements for people to take shelter in.

• Construct large levees around the city to block the shaking.

• Design buildings that can flex and move without breaking.

• Create a warning system to alert people before the ground shakes.

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Common Misconceptions

Misconception	Correction
All natural disasters can be accurately predicted.	Some hazards have precursors, but others like earthquakes are not yet predictable.
Natural disasters happen randomly all over the Earth.	They are concentrated in specific areas, often along tectonic plate boundaries.
One type of safe building works for all disasters.	Different hazards require different mitigation technologies and building designs.

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Summary

• The theory of plate tectonics explains the location of earthquakes and volcanoes.

• Mapping natural hazards helps us to forecast future events.

• Some hazards have precursors for prediction, but others do not.

• Powerful internal forces are constantly reshaping the Earth’s surface.

• Engineering and technology can be used to reduce the effects of natural hazards.

• The use of technology varies by region based on needs and resources.

Poll

On a scale of 1-4, how confident are you about the concepts covered in today's review?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4