Natural Hazards Vocabulary

Flood

• An overflow of water that spreads over land that is not normally covered in water.

• A sudden increase in temperature causing drought.

• A natural disaster characterized by strong winds and heavy rain.

• A phenomenon where water levels drop significantly.

Tornadoes

• funnel-shaped wind storms that reach from clouds to the ground

• large rotating storms that occur over oceans

• static air masses that cause droughts

• high-speed winds that only occur in winter

Fault

• an area in Earth's crust where tectonic plates meet

• a type of rock formation

• a geological feature caused by erosion

• a region of volcanic activity

Hurricanes

• a storm with high winds that forms over the ocean.

• a type of tornado that occurs on land.

• a weather phenomenon characterized by heavy snowfall.

• a calm weather condition with no wind.

Storm Surge

• A decrease in sea level caused by a storm.

• A rise in sea level caused by a storm, especially a hurricane, that pushes water towards the shore.

• A type of wave that occurs during a tsunami.

• A weather phenomenon that cools ocean temperatures.

Avalanche

• a massive amount of snow, ice, and rocks suddenly sliding down a slope

• a small amount of snow falling from a tree

• an ice formation on a mountain peak

• a sudden flood of water in a river

Landslide

• a large amount of rock or soil sliding down a slope

• a sudden flood of water

• a type of earthquake

• a volcanic eruption that causes debris flow

Potential

• possible

• impossible

• probable

• unlikely

Hazard

• a danger caused by an event

• a type of natural disaster

• a safety precaution

• a method of risk assessment

Tsunami

• a massive wave created by an earthquake.

• a gentle wave caused by wind.

• a type of underwater volcano.

• a large tidal wave caused by the moon's gravity.