Introduction to Disasters

The point where an earthquake originates beneath the Earth's surface.

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Vibrations that travel through the Earth's layers as a result of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other geological events.

Fractures in the Earth's crust where rocks on either side have moved past each other.

Earthquakes caused by sudden movements along faults and plate boundaries.

An instrument that detects and records ground motion caused by earthquakes and other seismic events.

The energy waves generated by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and explosions that travel through the Earth and can be detected by a seismometer.

A natural process or phenomenon that results in significant harm, including loss of life, injuries, property damage, disruption to services, and environmental impacts.

The study and practice of providing healthcare in response to disasters.

A situation or event that overwhelms local resources and necessitates assistance from other areas or the international community.

Latin words meaning 'bad' and 'star'. In the Middle Ages, disasters were attributed to celestial misalignment or astrology.

A sudden, unexpected event that causes significant damage, destruction, and human suffering.

Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic activity.

Floods, avalanches, sinkholes.

Extreme temperatures, thunderstorms, drought, wildfires, winter storms.

A scale used to describe the intensity of an earthquake based on the effects it has on people and structures.

A gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface due to movement of earth materials beneath the surface.

Oscillating waves that cause major fluctuations in the water level of a body of water, often triggered by earthquakes or landslides.

A process where water-saturated sediments lose their strength and behave like a liquid, often caused by earthquake shaking.

A form of mass wasting where large amounts of earth move down a slope under the influence of gravity.

A system that provides immediate warnings to the public in case of an earthquake.

A tunnel designed to drain excess water from a region, often used for earthquake preparedness.

Buildings designed to withstand earthquake forces, reducing damage and ensuring safety.

Kits that provide essential supplies and tools for survival in case of an earthquake.

A giant wave caused by the displacement of a large section of the ocean floor, usually triggered by earthquakes. They are nearly undetectable in the open ocean but become massive and destructive in shallow waters.

A rapid downward movement of snow, ice, and debris down a slope, often triggered by heavy snowfall or earthquakes. They can be devastating, carrying immense destructive force.

A type of landslide where a large section of rock mass collapses along a bedding plane, often caused by geological factors like weathering.

A rapid flow of water-saturated soil and debris down a slope, often triggered by heavy rainfall or volcanic eruptions. They can be very destructive and often occur in steep areas.

Large chunks of volcanic rock ejected during explosive eruptions. They can be very hot and dangerous, as they are essentially molten rock fragments.

Fine-grained volcanic material ejected during eruptions. It can cause respiratory problems and disrupt transportation.

Small volcanic rock fragments, often ejected during eruptions. They are typically smaller than volcanic bombs and can be found in a variety of sizes.

Large pieces of solid rock ejected during volcanic eruptions. They can be very heavy and cause significant damage.

A period of dryness, with little or no rainfall, that lasts for several days, months, or even years.

An uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly through vegetation, often caused by human activity or lightning.

A band of low pressure near the equator characterized by frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain.

An electrical storm featuring lightning and thunder, sometimes called a thundershower.

A violently rotating column of air in contact with both the ground and a cumulonimbus cloud, often associated with severe thunderstorms.

A rapidly rotating storm system with a low-pressure center, characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms.

The surge of seawater caused by a tropical cyclone or typhoon.

Flooding caused by heavy rainfall associated with a tropical cyclone or typhoon.