Natural Disasters Flashcards
What is an Earthquake?
An Earthquake is a NATURAL DISASTER. Earthquakes are caused due to sudden releases of energy in the Earth’s CRUST. This can happen based on three factors: HUMAN ACTIVITY (mining), VOLCANIC ACTIVITY, and MOVEMENT of TECTONIC PLATES. When stress on the Earth’s CRUST exceeds the rock’s strength, it slips or breaks at a FAULT, causing SEISMIC waves to travel THROUGH the Earth.
What is a Volcano (or Volcanic Eruption)?
A Volcanic Eruption is a dramatic GEOLOGICAL Event where ASHES, GASES, MAGMA and VOLCANIC DEBRIS get expelled from a VOLCANO forcefully. A VOLCANO has three types: STRATOVOLCANO, SHIELD VOLCANO, and CINDER CONES. Volcanoes feature a VENT, and that’s how things get expelled. These Volcanic Eruptions can impact the Earth, for example too much ash in the air can block sunlight.
What is a Tsunami?
A Tsunami is a series of large OCEAN WAVES, caused by DISTURBANCES in the Earth’s CRUST. It doesn’t have to just be in the CRUST, it can be above land, like AVALANCHES, or LANDSLIDES.
