Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and Hurricanes

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes

• Caused by the release of energy in the Earth's crust, usually as a result of tectonic plate movement or volcanic activity
• Measured on the Richter scale, which rates the magnitude of the earthquake
• Can cause:
  • Ground shaking and damage to buildings and infrastructure
  • Landslides and soil liquefaction
  • Tsunamis (if the earthquake occurs under the ocean)
  • Fires and gas leaks

Hurricanes

• Formed over warm ocean waters, fueled by heat and moisture
• Characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges
• Classified into five categories based on wind speed:
  1. Category 1: 74-95 mph
  2. Category 2: 96-110 mph
  3. Category 3: 111-129 mph
  4. Category 4: 130-156 mph
  5. Category 5: 157 mph or higher
• Can cause:
  • Storm surges and coastal flooding
  • Heavy rainfall and inland flooding
  • Strong winds and damage to buildings and infrastructure
  • Power outages and disruptions to essential services

Tsunamis

• Giant ocean waves caused by the displacement of water, usually as a result of earthquakes or landslides
• Can travel at speeds of up to 500 mph and reach heights of over 100 feet
• Can cause:
  • Widespread flooding and damage to coastal areas
  • Loss of life and property
  • Disruption to marine ecosystems and wildlife habitats

Volcanic Eruptions

• Occur when magma from beneath the Earth's surface is released through a volcanic vent or fissure
• Can produce:
  • Lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic flows
  • Gas emissions and toxic fumes
  • Lahars (mudflows) and landslides
  • Global cooling and climate disruption
• Classified into several types, including:
  • Explosive eruptions (e.g., Mount St. Helens)
  • Effusive eruptions (e.g., Kilauea)

Wildfires

• Uncontrolled fires that occur in wildland areas, often sparked by lightning or human activity
• Can cause:
  • Loss of life and property
  • Environmental damage and ecosystem disruption
  • Air and water pollution
  • Disruption to essential services and infrastructure
• Factors contributing to wildfires:
  • Drought and hot, dry conditions
  • Strong winds and weather patterns
  • Human activity, such as arson or accidental ignition

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes

• Caused by the release of energy in the Earth's crust due to tectonic plate movement or volcanic activity
• Measured on the Richter scale to rate the magnitude of the earthquake
• Effects include ground shaking, damage to buildings and infrastructure, landslides, soil liquefaction, and tsunamis (if under the ocean)
• Can also cause fires and gas leaks

Hurricanes

• Formed over warm ocean waters, fueled by heat and moisture
• Characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges
• Classified into five categories based on wind speed, with Category 5 being the strongest (157 mph or higher)
• Can cause storm surges, coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, strong winds, and power outages

Tsunamis

• Giant ocean waves caused by the displacement of water, often due to earthquakes or landslides
• Travel at speeds up to 500 mph and reach heights over 100 feet
• Effects include widespread flooding, loss of life and property, and disruption to marine ecosystems and wildlife habitats

Volcanic Eruptions

• Occur when magma from beneath the Earth's surface is released through a volcanic vent or fissure
• Produce lava flows, ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, gas emissions, and toxic fumes
• Can cause lahars, landslides, global cooling, and climate disruption
• Classified into explosive and effusive eruptions

Wildfires

• Uncontrolled fires in wildland areas, often sparked by lightning or human activity
• Effects include loss of life and property, environmental damage, air and water pollution, and disruption to essential services
• Factors contributing to wildfires include drought, hot and dry conditions, strong winds, and human activity