Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and Hurricanes

Study Notes

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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