Natural Hazards

Front

What is a natural hazard?

Back

A natural hazard is a natural event that has the potential to cause harm to people, property, and the environment.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What instrument is used to measure earthquakes?

Back

A seismograph is used to measure and record the intensity and duration of earthquakes.

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by large disturbances, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, under the sea.

Front

What causes volcanic eruptions?

Back

Volcanic eruptions occur when there is a buildup of pressure from gases and molten rock beneath the Earth's crust.

Front

What is a landslide?

Back

A landslide is the movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope due to gravity.

Front

What are levees?

Back

Levees are artificial embankments built along rivers to prevent flooding.

Front

What is a tropical cyclone?

Back

A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a center of low pressure, strong winds, and heavy rain.

Front

What is the difference between a hurricane and a tornado?

Back

A hurricane is a large storm system that forms over warm ocean waters, while a tornado is a smaller, more intense storm that forms over land.

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.