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What is an earthquake?
Earthquakes are the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth's surface. They are the Earth's natural means of releasing stress. More than a million earthquakes rattle the world each year. The West Coast is most at risk of having an earthquake, but earthquakes can happen in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Earthquakes can be felt over large areas although they usually last less than one minute. Earthquakes cannot be predicted - although scientists are working on it!

Click Here to learn more about earthquakes from USGS.

What causes an earthquake?
There are about 20 plates along the surface of the earth that move continuously and slowly past each other. When the plates squeeze or stretch, huge rocks form at their edges and the rocks shift with great force, causing an earthquake. Think of it this way: Imagine holding a pencil horizontally. If you were to apply a force to both ends of the pencil by pushing down on them, you would see the pencil bend. After enough force was applied, the pencil would break in the middle, releasing the stress you have put on it. The Earth's crust acts in the same way. As the plates move they put forces on themselves and each other. When the force is large enough, the crust is forced to break. When the break occurs, the stress is released as energy which moves through the Earth in the form of waves, which we feel and call an earthquake.

Click Here to see an animation of an earthquake. It's great for kids, because they get to see how it actually happens!

What is a fault?
A fault is an area of stress in the earth where broken rocks slide past each other, causing a crack in the Earth's surface. There are the major types of faults: dip-slip normal, dip-slip reverse, strike-slip, and oblique-slip.

What are plate tectonics?
The theory of plate tectonics is a interesting story of continents drifting from place to place breaking apart, colliding, and grinding against each other. The plate tectonic theory is supported by a wide range of evidence that considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large, thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. (See plate tectonic graphic above.) The plates are all moving in different directions and at different speeds. Sometimes the plates crash together, pull apart or sideswipe each other. When this happens, it commonly results in earthquakes.

Continental Drift: To see this animation again, click on the picture! This animation shows you what our planet looked like millions of years ago and what it looks like now! Graphic Credit: Geology Department at University of California, Berkeley

Click Here to learn more about plate tectonics and the drifting of our continents.

What is a seismograph?
A seismograph is an instrument used for recording the intensity and duration of an earthquake.

Click Here to calculate the strength of earthquakes!

What is a tsunami?
A tsunami is a large ocean wave usually caused by an underwater earthquake or a volcanic explosion. Tsunamis are NOT tidal waves. Tidal waves are caused by the forces of the moon, sun, and planets upon the tides, as well as the wind as it moves over the water. With typical waves, water flows in circles, but with a tsunami, water flows straight. This is why tsunamis cause so much damage!

Aerial video of the tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11, 2011.

Click Here to see an animation of an earthquake and the resulting tsunami. It's great for kids, because they get to see how it actually happens!

Click Here to get the latest tsunami warning information from the NWS.

Click Here for tsunami safety information.

EPICENTER - The point on the earth's surface directly above the source of the earthquake.

SEISMIC WAVES - The energy created by the quake travels in waves from the epicenter, where they are the strongest. The waves shake buildings, structures and the earth vertically, causing them to move horizontally!

RICHTER SCALE - A measurement of an earthquake's intensity. Each one-point increase on the scale indicates ten times the amount of shaking and 33 times the amount of energy. The energy released by a large earthquake may be equal to 10,000 times the energy of the first atomic bomb.

Click Here to see if there has been any recent earthquake activity across the U.S.

Earthquakes are measured by their intensity on the Richter Scale. Each one-point increase on the scale indicates ten times the amount of shaking and 33 times the amount of energy.

Click Here to learn about cool earthquake facts!

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE: Have a disaster plan. Emergency preparedness can save lives. Choose a safe place in every room. It's best to get under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or a desk where nothing can fall on you. Practice DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Drop under something sturdy, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If you live in an earthquake prone area, bolt tall furniture to the wall and install strong latches to cupboards. Prepare a first aid kit for your home. By taking special precautions and checking for hazards before a disaster strikes, you will be much more likely to stay safe.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Stay indoors until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows. If you're in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. If you're outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines. Then, drop to the ground. If you're in a car, slow down and drive to a safe place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS: Check for injuries. Inspect your home for damage. Eliminate fire hazards, so turn off the gas if you think its leaking. Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.

Lesson Plan: Here is a great lesson plan on learning about how thrust faults are responsible for the uplift of many mountain ranges across the world, including the Los Angeles Basin. This is a great lesson plan for middle and high school students.

Lesson Plan: Here is a great lesson plan keeping track of earthquakes around the world. In this activity, kids keep a record of the location of earthquakes for a week and learn about plate tectonics.

Earthquake Experiment: Here is a great experiment that explains how to prepare for an earthquake.

Science Fair Project Ideas: Here is a list of science fair project ideas that deal with earthquakes.

Science Fair Project Ideas: Here is a complete list of science fair project ideas. Discover the science behind the weather that impacts us every day.

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What is an earthquake? Earthquakes are the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth's surface. They are the Earth's natural means of releasing stress. More than a million earthquakes rattle the world each year. The West Coast is most at risk of having an earthquake, but earthquakes can happen in the Midwest and along the East Coast.

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What is a volcano?
A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock below the surface of the earth. When pressure builds up, eruptions occur. Gases and rock shoot up through the opening and spill over or fill the air with lava fragments. Eruptions can cause lateral blasts, lava flows, hot ash flows, mudslides, avalanches, falling ash and floods. Volcano eruptions have been known to knock down entire forests. An erupting volcano can trigger tsunamis, flash floods, earthquakes, mudflows and rockfalls.

Click Here to learn more about volcanoes from USGS.

How are volcanoes formed?
Volcanoes are formed when magma from within the Earth's upper mantle works its way to the surface. At the surface, it erupts to form lava flows and ash deposits. Over time as the volcano continues to erupt, it will get bigger and bigger.

What are the different stages of volcanoes?
Scientists have categorized volcanoes into three main categories: active, dormant, and extinct. An active volcano is one which has recently erupted and there is a possibility that it may erupt soon. A dormant volcano is one which has not erupted in a long time but there is a possibility it can erupt in the future. An extinct volcano is one which has erupted thousands of years ago and there's no possibility of eruption.

Why do volcanoes erupt?
The Earth's crust is made up of huge slabs called plates, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates sometimes move. The friction causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions near the edges of the plates. The theory that explains this process is called plate tectonics.

What are plate tectonics?
The theory of plate tectonics is a interesting story of continents drifting from place to place breaking apart, colliding, and grinding against each other. The plate tectonic theory is supported by a wide range of evidence that considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large, thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. The plates are all moving in different directions and at different speeds. Sometimes the plates crash together, pull apart or sideswipe each other. When this happens, it commonly results in earthquakes.
Click Here to learn more about plate tectonics and the drifting of our continents.

How many volcanoes are there?
There are more than 1500 active volcanoes on the Earth. We currently know of 80 or more which are under the oceans. Active volcanoes in the U.S. are found mainly in Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington.

What is the difference between lava and magma?
Magma is liquid rock inside a volcano. Lava is liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Fresh lava glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

Why does lava take a long time to cool down?
Lava cools slowly because lava is a poor conductor of heat. Lava flows slow down and thicken as they harden.

What is a pyroclastic flow?
A pyroclastic flow is a fluidized mixture of solid to semi-solid fragments and hot, expanding gases that flows down the sides of a volcano. These awesome features are heavier-than-air emulsions that move much like a snow avalanche, except that they are fiercely hot, contain toxic gases, and move at phenomenal, hurricane-force speeds. They are the most deadly of all volcanic phenomena.

What is lahar?
A lahar is a type of mudflow or debris flow composed of pyroclastic material, rocky debris, and water. The material flows down from a volcano, typically along a river valley. It is very dangerous because it's consistency and the way it acts is very much like cement. It is liquid when it's moving, but when it stops, it solidifies. This can cause just as much devastation as lava itself.

What is pumice?
Pumice is a light, porous volcanic rock that forms during explosive eruptions. It resembles a sponge because it consists of a network of gas bubbles frozen amidst fragile volcanic glass and minerals. All types of magma (basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite) will form pumice.

What is the largest active volcano?
The world's largest, active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii, where famous coffee is grown in the rich volcanic soils. Mauna Loa is 13,677 feet above sea level. From its base below sea level to its summit, Mauna Loa is taller than Mount Everest.

What is the Ring of Fire?
The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions encircling the basin of the Pacific Ocean. The Ring of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 50% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes. Ninety percent of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire.

What is volcanic lightning?
Volcanic lightning, also known as dirty thunderstorms, is capable of producing some of the most powerful and visually striking lightning storms on Earth. Not all volcanic eruptions produce lightning. When it does occur, a single eruption can create multiple, separate lightning storms. The lightning seems to be set off by explosions during the eruption, although not all explosions cause lightning. During recent eruptions that displayed lightning, scientists observed the most intense lightning occurred at the beginning of the eruption and gradually decreased as the eruption continued, sometimes over a period of weeks.

When is a volcano considered active?
Surprisingly, there is no consensus among volcanologists on how to define an active volcano. The lifespan of a volcano can vary from months to several million years, making such a distinction sometimes meaningless when compared to the lifespans of humans or even civilizations. For example, many of Earth's volcanoes have erupted dozens of times in the past few thousand years but are not currently showing signs of activity. Given the long lifespan of such volcanoes, they are very active. By our lifespans, however, they are not.

What is a Vulcanian Eruption?
A vulcanian eruption is a type of explosive eruption that ejects new lava fragments that do not take on a rounded shape during their flight through the air. This may be because the lava is too viscous or already solidified. These moderate-sized explosive eruptions commonly eject a large proportion of volcanic ash and also breadcrust bombs and blocks.

What is a mud volcano?
In volcanic regions, mud volcanoes are usually small volcano-shaped cones of mud. They are built as mud erupts from a vent, either as a flowing liquid or ejected into the air. The mud is formed as acid gases rise through the crust, react with rock and turn it into clay. The mud is a mixture of clay and groundwater. The mud volcanoes erupt following pressurization from geothermal steam and gases.

What is a tsunami?
A tsunami is a large ocean wave usually caused by an underwater earthquake or a volcanic explosion. Tsunamis are NOT tidal waves. Tidal waves are caused by the forces of the moon, sun, and planets upon the tides, as well as the wind as it moves over the water. With typical waves, water flows in circles, but with a tsunami, water flows straight. This is why tsunamis cause so much damage!

Click Here to see an animation of an earthquake and the resulting tsunami. It's great for kids, because they get to see how it actually happens!
Click Here to get the latest tsunami warning information from the NWS.

What is the difference between active, dormant and extinct volcanoes?

Active volcanoes - Scientists usually consider a volcano active if it is currently erupting or showing signs of unrest, such as unusual earthquake activity or significant new gas emissions. Many scientists also consider a volcano active if it has erupted in historic time. It's important to note that the span of recorded history differs from region to region; in the Mediterranean, recorded history reaches back more than 3,000 years but in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, it reaches back less than 300 years, and in Hawaii, little more than 200 years.

Dormant volcanoes - Dormant volcanoes are those that are not currently active (as defined above), but could become restless or erupt again.

Extinct volcanoes - Extinct volcanoes are those that scientists consider unlikely to erupt again. Whether a volcano is truly extinct is often difficult to determine. For example, since calderas have lifespans sometimes measured in millions of years, a caldera that hasn't produced an eruption in tens of thousands of years is likely to be considered dormant instead of extinct. Yellowstone caldera in Yellowstone National Park is at least 2 million years old and hasn't erupted for 70,000 years, yet scientists do not consider Yellowstone as extinct. In fact, because the caldera has frequent earthquakes, a very active geothermal system, and rapid rates of ground uplift, many scientists consider it to be a very active volcano.

What are the different types of volcanoes?
Volcanoes are grouped into four types: cinder cones, composite volcanoes, and shield volcanoes.

Cinder cones are circular or oval cones made up of small fragments of lava from a single vent that have been blown into the air, cooled and fallen around the vent.

Composite volcanoes which are also called 'stratovolcanoes' are steep-sided volcanoes composed of many layers of volcanic rocks, usually made from high-viscosity lava, ash and rock debris. Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens are examples of this type of volcano.

Shield volcanoes are volcanoes shaped like a bowl or shield in the middle with long gentle slopes made by basaltic lava flows. Basalt lava flows from these volcanoes are called flood basalts. The volcanoes that formed the basalt of the Columbia Plateau were shield volcanoes.

When did Mount St. Helens erupt?
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. It's located in southwestern Washington State in the Cascade Range. The blast was heard as far away as Montana, Idaho, Canada and California. Fifty-seven people died and the eruption caused $1.2 billion in damage.

Click Here for more info on Mount St. Helens.

What are some other notable volcano eruptions?
Krakatoa was a dormant volcano in Indonesia, which awakened and produced one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in 1883. So massive was the eruption that the sound of it was heard as far away as Australia. It's widely reported as the loudest sound heard in recorded history. The Krakatoa eruption created a huge amount of ash cloud which covered the Earth and reduced global temperatures for 5 years! A total of 40,000 people died in that explosion and an entire chain of the volcanic island was destroyed. For more info: Click Here!

Mount Pelee was a dormant volcano situated in the Caribbean island of Martinique. In 1902, it erupted in a massive horizontal explosion sending huge clouds of ash released towards the nearby town of Saint-Pierre. The side of the volcano exploded and lava flowed straight into the town, killing 30,000 people in a matter of minutes. It is regarded as one of the biggest and most devastating volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, a benchmark for future eruptions.

Mount Fujiyama, also popularly known as Mount Fuji, is an active volcano which last erupted in 1708. It is incidentally the tallest mountain in Japan. If you are visiting Tokyo, the capital of Japan, look in the west on a clear day and you will be able to see Mount Fuji. It is an iconic volcano. Mount Fuji is 3,776 meters high and it is snow clad throughout the year, with five lakes surrounding it. Currently in a state of dormancy, there has not been any eruption reported for more than 300 years. The last known eruption lasted for about 3 weeks during which it covered the surrounding villages with ash and cinders. Mount Fuji is now a popular tourist location with a large number of climbers actively scaling the mountain top.

MAGMA - Magma is the liquid rock inside a volcano.

LAVA - Lava is the liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Lava glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

ACTIVE VOLCANO - An active volcano is one that erupts regularly.

DORMANT VOLCANO - A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted for many years, although there is still some activity deep inside.

EXTINCT VOLCANO - An extinct volcano is a volcano that is no longer active.

GEYSERS - Geysers are springs that throw boiling water high in the air. They are caused by volcanic heat warming trapped ground water.

ASH - Ash are very small fragments of lava or rock blasted into the air by volcanic explosions.

PUMICE - It is a light-colored volcanic rock containing lots of bubbles from trapped gases.

BASALT - Basalt is a hard, black volcanic rock.

CALDERA - A caldera is a large, usually circular depression at the summit of a volcano formed when magma is withdrawn or erupted from a shallow underground magma reservoir.

ERUPTION CLOUD - A cloud of tephra and gases that forms downwind of an erupting volcano is called an eruption cloud.

FAULT - Faults are fractures or fracture zones in the Earth's crust along which one side moves with respect to the other. A fault scarp is a cliff or steep slope that sometimes forms along the fault at the surface.

FISSURE - On volcanoes, a fissure is an elongate fracture or crack at the surface from which lava erupts.

PILLOW LAVA - When basalts erupt underwater, they commonly form pillow lavas, which are mounds of elongate lava "pillows" formed by repeated oozing and quenching of the hot basalt.

PRYOCLASTIC FLOW - A pyroclastic flow is a ground-hugging avalanche of hot ash, pumice, rock fragments, and volcanic gas that rushes down the side of a volcano.

TEPHRA - Tephra is a general term for fragments of volcanic rock and lava regardless of size that are blasted into the air by explosions or carried upward by hot gases in eruption columns or lava fountains.

VENT - Vents are openings in the Earth's crust from which molten rock and volcanic gases escape onto the ground or into the atmosphere.

OBSIDIAN - Obsidian is dense volcanic glass, usually rhyolite in composition and typically black in color.

Click Here to see if there has been any recent volcanic activity across the U.S.

PLAN FOR A VOLCANO: First of all, have a disaster plan and know whether or not you are at risk for danger. Be prepared for mudslides, flash floods, earthquakes, ash falling, acid rain and tsunamis. Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing, dust mask, goggles and sturdy shoes. Don't forget, know all of your evacuation routes.

DURING A VOLCANO: Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities. Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano. If your caught indoors, close all windows and doors, put machinery inside a barn, and bring animals inside. If you're trapped outdoors, seek shelter indoors. If you're caught in falling rocks, roll into a ball and protect your head. If you're caught near a stream, be aware of mudflows and move to higher ground. Protect yourself when ash falls by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use goggles to protect your eyes. Wear a dust mask and keep car engines off.

AFTER A VOLCANO: Cover you mouth and nose. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory system. Wear goggles and protect your eyes. Keep your skin covered. Clear roofs of ash, because the ash is very heavy and can cause the building to collapse.

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What is a volcano? A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock below the surface of the earth. When pressure builds up, eruptions occur. Gases and rock shoot up through the opening and spill over or fill the air with lava fragments.

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What is a tsunami?
A tsunami is a large ocean wave usually caused by an underwater earthquake or a volcanic explosion. Tsunamis are NOT tidal waves. Tidal waves are caused by the forces of the moon, sun, and planets upon the tides, as well as the wind as it moves over the water. With typical waves, water flows in circles, but with a tsunami, water flows straight. This is why tsunamis cause so much damage!

How are tsunamis generated?
Tsunamis are generated by any large, impulsive displacement of the sea level. The most common cause of a tsunami is sea floor uplift associated with an earthquake. Tsunamis are also triggered by landslides into or under the water surface, and can be generated by volcanic activity and meteorite impacts.

How often do tsunamis occur?
On the average, two tsunamis occur per year throughout the world which inflict damage near the source. Approximately every 15 years a destructive, ocean-wide tsunami occurs.

Can strike-slip (horizontal motion) earthquakes trigger tsunamis?
Yes, approximately 10-15% of damaging tsunamis are triggered by strike-slip earthquakes. This type of earthquake is less likely to trigger a tsunami than one with vertical motion. The waves are likely generated by associated landslides or motion of a sloping bathymetric feature. Tsunamis generated by strike-slip earthquakes normally affect regions near the source only.

What does the word "tsunami" mean?
Tsunami (soo-NAH-mee) is a Japanese word meaning harbor wave.

How fast do tsunamis travel?
Tsunami velocity depends on the depth of water through which it travels. Velocity equals the square root of the product of the water depth times the acceleration of gravity. Tsunamis travel approximately 475 mph in 15,000 feet of water. In 100 feet of water the velocity drops to about 40 mph.

Did you know...A tsunami travels from the central Aleutian Islands to Hawaii in about 5 hours and to California in about 6 hours, or from the Portugal coast to North Carolina in about 8.5 hours.

How big is a tsunami?
Tsunamis range in size from inches to over a hundred feet. In deep water (greater than 600 feet), tsunamis are rarely over 3 feet and are not normally noticed by ships due to their long period or time between crests. As tsunamis propagate into shallow water, the wave height can increase by over 10 times. Tsunami heights vary greatly along a coast. The waves can be amplified by shoreline and sea floor features. A large tsunami can flood low-lying coastal land over a mile from the coast.

What does a tsunami look like when it reaches shore?
Normally, a tsunami appears as a rapidly advancing or receding tide. In some cases, a wall of water or series of breaking waves may form.

How is a tsunami different from a wind-generated wave?
Wind-generated waves usually have periods or time between crests between 5 and 15 seconds. Tsunami periods normally range from 5 to 60 minutes. Also, wind-generated waves break as they shoal and lose energy offshore. Tsunamis act more like a flooding wave. A twenty foot tsunami is a twenty foot rise in sea level.

What are nature's signs that a tsunami may be imminent?
There are a few signs like hard ground shaking for 20+ seconds near the coast or a sudden sea level withdrawal. Tsunamis may be accompanied by loud, booming noises.

Can earthquakes and tsunamis be predicted?
No, earthquakes cannot be predicted. Once an earthquake has occurred, the arrival time of a tsunami, if generated, can be determined accurately. There is not normally enough time to accurately predict tsunami heights near the source. Away from the source, tsunami wave heights can be estimated based on mathematical tsunami models and observed wave heights.

Aerial video of the tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11, 2011.

Click Here to see an animation of an earthquake and the resulting tsunami. It's great for kids, because they get to see how it actually happens!
What are some of the most damaging tsunamis?

Japan: Major tsunami in 2011 generated in the Pacific Ocean.

Asia: Asian tsunami in 2004 generated in the Indian Ocean.

Alaska: Major tsunamis were generated along the Alaskan coast in 1946, 1957, 1958, 1964, and 1965. Many other locally generated tsunamis occurred prior to those dates.

US/Canada West Coast: Tsunamis were generated locally in 1812, 1873, 1878, 1927, 1930, 1946 and 1949. The west coast was also impacted by tsunamis generated in other regions in 1877, 1946, 1952, 1957, 1960, 1964, 1975, 2006, and 2010.

US/Canada Atlantic Coast: Tsunamis were recorded in 1755, 1884, 1886, and 1929.

Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands experienced damaging tsunamis in 1867 and 1918.

Click Here for the NOAA/National Geophysical Data Center tsunami catalog.

TSUNAMI WARNING- A tsunami warning indicates that a tsunami may be imminent and that coastal locations in the warned area should prepare for flooding. The initial warning is typically based solely on seismic information. After the tsunami is recorded on sea level gages, the warning will be cancelled, restricted, expanded, or downgraded to an advisory. Warnings indicate that flooding up to the maximum expected limit is possible and residents should follow their local emergency management instructions. Warnings are issued when the earthquake information or tsunami forecasts indicate that a wave over 1 meter in amplitude is expected, possible, or ongoing.

TSUNAMI ADVISORY- A tsunami advisory indicates a tsunami which may produce strong currents and is dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected. Large inundations are not expected in areas under advisory status. Advisories will be cancelled, extended, or upgraded to a warning depending on the event severity. Advisories are issued when the tsunami forecast is in the range of 0.3 to 1 meter, or an observed tsunami is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 meters.

TSUNAMI WATCH- A tsunami watch is an early alert issued to areas which may later be impacted by a tsunami. Tsunami impact is normally at least three hours away for regions within a tsunami watch. The watch will either be upgraded to a warning or advisory in subsequent messages or cancelled depending on the severity of the tsunami. People within a watch area should stay alert for further information regarding tsunami threat.

CREST - The top of a wave.

FJORD - A narrow sea inlet between cliffs or steep slopes.

SURGE - A large wave or billow.

TROUGH - The lowest point between waves.

Click Here to get the latest tsunami warning information from the NWS.

PLAN FOR A TSUNAMI: Have a disaster plan. Know whether you're at risk for danger. Plan an evacuation route. Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.

DURING A TSUNAMI: Follow the instructions issued by local authorities. You will probably want to evacuate immediately. Get to higher ground and as far inland as you can.

AFTER A TSUNAMI: Help injured or trapped people. Stay out of a building if water remains around it. Tsunami waters can cause buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls to collapse. When re-entering homes, use extreme caution. Check for gas leaks. Open windows and doors to help dry things out. Look for fire hazards.

Lesson Plan: Here is a great lesson plan on learning about tsunamis. Note: This is a PDF file, so you need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Lesson Plan: Here is a great lesson plan on tracking a tsunami.

Lesson Plan: Here is a great lesson plan on tsunamis and how they devastating effects they may cause in the world.

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What is a tsunami? A tsunami is a large ocean wave usually caused by an underwater earthquake or a volcanic explosion. Tsunamis are NOT tidal waves. Tidal waves are caused by the forces of the moon, sun, and planets upon the tides, as well as the wind as it moves over the water.

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What is a wildfire?
A wildfire also known as a wildland fire, forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, peat fire, bushfire (in Australia), or hill fire is an uncontrolled fire often occurring in wildland areas, but which can also consume houses or agricultural resources. Wildfires often begin unnoticed, but they spread quickly igniting brush, trees and homes.

What causes a wildfire?
Common causes of wildfires include lightning, human carelessness, arson, volcano eruption, and pyroclastic cloud from active volcano. Heat waves, droughts, and cyclical climate changes such as El Niño can also have a dramatic effect on the risk of wildfires. Although, more than four out of every five wildfires are caused by people.

Where can wildfires occur?
Wildfires can occur anywhere, but are common in the forested areas of the United States and Canada. They are also susceptible in many places around the world, including much of the vegetated areas of Australia as well as in the Western Cape of South Africa. The climates are sufficiently moist to allow the growth of trees, but feature extended dry, hot periods. Fires are particularly prevalent in the summer and fall, and during droughts when fallen branches, leaves, and other material can dry out and become highly flammable. Wildfires are also common in grasslands and scrublands.

What are the Santa Ana winds?
The Santa Ana winds are hot, dry winds that aggravate the fire danger in forests and bush lands. These winds characteristically appear in Southern California and Northern Baja California weather during autumn and early winter. In southern California, under the influence of Santa Ana winds, wildfires can move at tremendous speeds, up to 40 miles in a single day, consuming up to 1,000 acres per hour. Dense clouds of burning embers push ahead of the flames crossing firebreaks without a problem.

What is a fire tornado?
A fire tornado or fire whirl is just a tornado made of fire. It happens when certain conditions (depending on air temperature and currents), acquires a vertical vorticity and forms a whirl, or a tornado-like effect. Fire tornadoes may be whirlwinds separated from the flames, either within the burn area or outside it. A fire tornado can make fires more dangerous.

How do firefighters put out the wildfires?
Firefighters use a tool known as a pulaski. Its a combination of an ax and hoe used to dig a fireline. A fireline is a strip of land from which all brush and debris have been cleared to rob a wildfire of its fuel. Firefighters also use hotshots and smoke jumpers to clear a large path in a big circle around the fire so the blaze is contained in a ring of dirt. When the fire reaches this area, it runs out of fuel and starves to death. If the fire is too large, however, planes and helicopters fly overhead, dropping water and special chemicals that smother the flames. This pink, fire-retardant chemical is called sky jell-o.

Click Here to get the latest wildfire information.

Click Here for to get more wildfire information.

Click Here to see if there has been any recent wildfire activity across the U.S.

SURFACE FIRES - The most common type of wildfires, surface fires move slowly and burn along the forest floor, killing and damaging vegetation.

GROUND FIRES - These are usually started by lightning, ground fires burn on or below the forest floor through the root system.

CROWN FIRES - These fires spread by wind moving quickly along the tops of trees.

SANTA ANA WINDS - "Santa Ana" is the name given to the gusty northeast or east wind that occurs in Southern California during the fall and winter months. Santa Ana winds are often hot and very dry, greatly aggravating the fire danger in forests and bush lands.

CONFLAGRATION - A large and destructive fire, typically aggravated by strong winds that carry firebrands over natural or artificial barriers.

Click Here to learn about more wildfire facts!

BEFORE A WILDFIRE: Have a disaster plan. Know whether you're in a wildfire prone area. Plant fire resistant shrubs and trees around your home. Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach around your home. Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

DURING A WILDFIRE: If you're advised to evacuate then do so immediately. Wear protective clothing and lock your home. Tell someone you left and where you are going. Choose a safe route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

AFTER A WILDFIRE: Stay away from wildfire areas until it is safe.

Lesson Plan: Here is a great lesson plan on teaching students to have an escape plan if a fire threatens their home.

Science Fair Project Ideas: Here is a complete list of science fair project ideas. Discover the science behind the weather that impacts us every day.

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What is a wildfire? A wildfire also known as a wildland fire, forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, peat fire, bushfire (in Australia), or hill fire is an uncontrolled fire often occurring in wildland areas, but which can also consume houses or agricultural resources.

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Natural disasters can have a life-altering impact on the people fortunate enough to survive them. Impacts are spread across individuals, communities, economies and ecosystems.

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StoryWorks

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StoryWorks

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Study.com

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What Is a Dust Storm?

Get ready to be blown away! Believe it or not, what you are about to learn about dust storms might even prepare you for life on Mars! So, hold onto your hats and let's get blowing...I mean going!

A dust storm is a cloud of tiny soil particles that are swept up by the wind. Dust storms can develop quickly and with little warning. They can be huge with some stretching for miles and bringing life to a standstill until the air clears.

Dust Storms Need Dry Land and Wind

Dust storms are a form of wind erosion, which is the wearing away of something due to the wind.

For a dust storm to form, there must be two things present: a patch of dry, exposed ground and wind. Compare a handful of dry dirt to a handful of mud. If you blow on the dry dirt, dust particles will float away, but if you blow on the mud, nothing will happen. The water in the mud holds the soil particles together.

Dust storms are often associated with cold fronts and thunderstorms. When these weather conditions move into an area, they push air. That pushed air, or wind, rushes along the ground picking up light particles of dust, sand, and debris.

Where Do They Happen?

Dust storms can develop in any dry area. Some places, like deserts, are always dry, and therefore prone to dust storms. In the Middle East, where there are many deserts, dust storms are called haboobs.

Droughts and the destruction of vegetation (i.e. plants and trees) can make non-desert areas prone to dust storms. A drought, which is a long period without rain, is a natural occurrence that causes the ground to get very dry. A loss of vegetation is often the result of actions taken by people and animals.

People cut down forests, but if they cut down too many trees, they can leave the ground exposed. Animals eat grass, so if a rancher has too many cattle grazing in an area, the grass covering the ground disappears. With no roots or cover to protect it, the soil dries, making it prone to blow away.

In the 1930s, the central and southwestern American states experienced the Dust Bowl. The frequent dust storms that defined the Dust Bowl were caused by a combination of drought and lost vegetation due to farmers over-plowing their fields.

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dust storm facts: lesson for kids | study.com

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Dust Storm Facts: Lesson for Kids | Study.com

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Get ready to be blown away! Believe it or not, what you are about to learn about dust storms might even prepare you for life on Mars! So, hold onto your hats and let's get blowing...I mean going! A dust storm is a cloud of tiny soil particles that are swept up by the wind.

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Live Science

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Irritating weather patterns

On the horizon, a plume of dust appears. It slowly approaches and envelopes you, shrouding your world in a cloud of sediment. A dust storm has arrived.

Dust storms or sandstorms can run the gamut from annoying to apocalyptic. They are usually caused by a front moving through an arid region with plenty of sediment to stir up with its winds. But you might wonder, "How big can they be? And what have been the craziest dust storms throughout history?" Wonder no longer.

Disappearing army

The Persian ruler Cambyses II conquered Egypt in the sixth century B.C. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, his army of 50,000 then set out for the Siwa Oasis, perhaps to seek legitimacy or seek counsel from the oracle there, in the Western Desert. As legend has it, his army then vanished, buried by a dust storm.

Researchers from Egypt's Helwan University came across a site in 2000 in which they found clothing and artifacts, which they think may be the remains of Cambyses's army, according to Archaeology Magazine.

The above image is a sandstorm that hit Egypt in 2005 (and obviously not the one that buried Cambyses' army.)

Haboobs

"Haboob" is the Arabic term for a particularly intense type of dust storm caused by the downdraft from a thunderstorm. These storms are common in the Middle East, Africa and even North America, although they usually aren't called that here.

Each year, one to three storms will hit the Phoenix area, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In the last 10 years, more than 100 dust storms were reported in the state of Arizona, according to the agency.

The Dust Bowl

In the 1930s, severe and extended drought struck the Southwest and central plains, particularly Oklahoma. Dust and sandstorms were common during this traumatic time, and gave rise to the name of an era that still colors stories of that time and place. Of course it wasn't one dust storm, but a series of storms that continued for many years throughout the decade. The Dust Bowl was exacerbated by previous farming techniques that stripped the land of its deep-rooted grasses, and tilling methods that loosened and kicked up large quantities of soil. These dust storms displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

Radioactive storms?

In 2009, years of drought set the stage for a horrible dust storm in Australia, which started in the center of the country and blew eastward through most of the major cities along the eastern coast. It eventually grew to stretch 2,700 miles (3,450 kilometers) across, according to the NASA Earth Observatory. It carried dust as far as New Zealand, where it ignited fears that the sediment may have been carrying radioactive particles from an Australian uranium mine. Tests on the dust were inconclusive.

Spreading epidemics and disease

Dust storms can raise the level of particles in the air to unsafe levels, which are unhealthy to breathe in without a mask. They can carry a "noxious mix of fungi, heavy metals from pollutants, chemicals and bacteria that could lead to cardiovascular and eye disease, and other illnesses," according to the Weather Channel.

During the Dust Bowl, in October 1935, Kansas experienced a severe measles epidemic and record rates of strep throat and infant mortality. Researchers suggested that it was caused by the dust storms, although they couldn't detect the presence of bacteria in dust samples, according to a study published in 1935.

Dust storms have been linked to outbreaks of meningitis in northern Africa, as well as valley fever in the U.S. Southwest, possibly caused by fungal spores in dust.

Navy Capt. Mark Lyles, of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., told the Huffington Post in August, 2011, that samples of dust from Kuwait and Iraq contained aluminum, heavy metals and viruses. He said that this may be one reason for the mysterious Gulf War Syndrome seen in veterans returning home after Operation Desert Storm, in 1991.

The above image was taken on May 29, 2004. Dust was whipped by winds that gusted up to 70 mph (113 kph). The ensuing storm caused traffic accidents.

Bermuda's red soil

Bermuda is famous for its white sand beaches. But it also has another rather striking feature further inland: red soil. Scientists have been at a loss to explain how it got there, since the island lacks the raw materials necessary to form this ruddy soil. A recent study suggests that much of Bermuda's red soil blew in all the way from Africa, accumulating little by little over the last 1 million years or so.

Fertilizing the Amazon

Besides giving Bermuda its distinctive red dirt, sediments from across the Atlantic help fertilize and drive the great biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. A recent study in the journal Geophysical Research Letters found that this dust is high in levels of iron and phosphorous and helps to compensate for the Amazon's relatively poor soils, which have trouble holding on to nutrients in some areas because of the massive amounts of rain that leach them out.

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On the horizon, a plume of dust appears. It slowly approaches and envelopes you, shrouding your world in a cloud of sediment. A dust storm has arrived. Dust storms or sandstorms can run the gamut from annoying to apocalyptic. They are usually caused by a front moving through an arid region with plenty of sediment to stir up with its winds.

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weather.gov

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The Black Sunday Dust Storm of April 14, 1935

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Recent heavy rainfall combined with snowmelt will cause a continued threat for flooding of rivers, streams, and low lying areas in northern New England, especially Maine into Monday. Elsewhere across the country, much above normal temperatures expected over central portions of the U.S.

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PBS

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Surviving the Dust Bowl | Article

Dust Storm in Rolla, Kansas April 1935, Courtesy: NARA

April 14, 1935, dawned clear across the plains. After weeks of dust storms, one near the end of March destroying five million acres of wheat, people grateful to see the sun went outside to do chores, go to church, or to picnic and sun themselves under the blue skies. In mid-afternoon, the temperature dropped and birds began chattering nervously. Suddenly, a huge black cloud appeared on the horizon, approaching fast.

Those on the road had to try to beat the storm home. Some, like Ed and Ada Phillips of Boise City, and their six-year-old daughter, had to stop on their way to seek shelter in an abandoned adobe hut. There they joined ten other people already huddled in the two-room ruin, sitting for four hours in the dark, fearing that they would be smothered. Cattle dealer Raymond Ellsaesser tells how he almost lost his wife when her car was shorted out by electricity and she decided to walk the three-quarters of a mile home. As her daughter ran ahead to get help, Ellsaesser's wife wandered off the road in the blinding dust. The moving headlights of her husband's truck, visible as he frantically drove back and forth along the road, eventually led her back

The storm on Black Sunday was the last major dust storm of the year, and the damage it caused was not calculated for months. Coming on the heels of a stormy season, the April 14 storm hit as many others had, only harder. "The impact is like a shovelful of fine sand flung against the face," Avis D. Carlson wrote in a New Republic article. "People caught in their own yards grope for the doorstep. Cars come to a standstill, for no light in the world can penetrate that swirling murk.... The nightmare is deepest during the storms. But on the occasional bright day and the usual gray day we cannot shake from it. We live with the dust, eat it, sleep with it, watch it strip us of possessions and the hope of possessions. It is becoming Real. The poetic uplift of spring fades into a phantom of the storied past. The nightmare is becoming life."

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Black Sunday | American Experience | PBS

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Surviving the Dust Bowl | Article April 14, 1935, dawned clear across the plains. After weeks of dust storms, one near the end of March destroying five million acres of wheat, people grateful to see the sun went outside to do chores, go to church, or to picnic and sun themselves under the blue skies.

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History.com

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The Dust Bowl was the name given to the drought-stricken Southern Plains region of the United States, which suffered severe dust storms during a dry period in the 1930s. As high winds and choking dust swept the region from Texas to Nebraska, people and livestock were killed and crops failed across the entire region. The Dust Bowl intensified the crushing economic impacts of the Great Depression and drove many farming families on a desperate migration in search of work and better living conditions.

What Caused the Dust Bowl?

The Dust Bowl was caused by several economic and agricultural factors, including federal land policies, changes in regional weather, farm economics and other cultural factors. After the Civil War, a series of federal land acts coaxed pioneers westward by incentivizing farming in the Great Plains.

The Homestead Act of 1862, which provided settlers with 160 acres of public land, was followed by the Kinkaid Act of 1904 and the Enlarged Homestead Act of 1909. These acts led to a massive influx of new and inexperienced farmers across the Great Plains.

Many of these late nineteenth and early twentieth century settlers lived by the superstition "rain follows the plow." Emigrants, land speculators, politicians and even some scientists believed that homesteading and agriculture would permanently affect the climate of the semi-arid Great Plains region, making it more conducive to farming.

This false belief was linked to Manifest Destiny -an attitude that Americans had a sacred duty to expand west. A series of wet years during the period created further misunderstanding of the region's ecology and led to the intensive cultivation of increasingly marginal lands that couldn't be reached by irrigation.

Rising wheat prices in the 1910s and 1920s and increased demand for wheat from Europe during World War I encouraged farmers to plow up millions of acres of native grassland to plant wheat, corn and other row crops. But as the United States entered the Great Depression, wheat prices plummeted. Farmers tore up even more grassland in an attempt to harvest a bumper crop and break even.

Crops began to fail with the onset of drought in 1931, exposing the bare, over-plowed farmland. Without deep-rooted prairie grasses to hold the soil in place, it began to blow away. Eroding soil led to massive dust storms and economic devastation-especially in the Southern Plains.

When Was The Dust Bowl?

The Dust Bowl, also known as "the Dirty Thirties," started in 1930 and lasted for about a decade, but its long-term economic impacts on the region lingered much longer.

Severe drought hit the Midwest and Southern Great Plains in 1930. Massive dust storms began in 1931. A series of drought years followed, further exacerbating the environmental disaster.

By 1934, an estimated 35 million acres of formerly cultivated land had been rendered useless for farming, while another 125 million acres-an area roughly three-quarters the size of Texas-was rapidly losing its topsoil.

Regular rainfall returned to the region by the end of 1939, bringing the Dust Bowl years to a close. The economic effects, however, persisted. Population declines in the worst-hit counties-where the agricultural value of the land failed to recover-continued well into the 1950s.

'Black Blizzards' Strike America

During the Dust Bowl period, severe dust storms, often called "black blizzards" swept the Great Plains. Some of these carried Great Plains topsoil as far east as Washington, D.C. and New York City, and coated ships in the Atlantic Ocean with dust.

Billowing clouds of dust would darken the sky, sometimes for days at a time. In many places, the dust drifted like snow and residents had to clear it with shovels. Dust worked its way through the cracks of even well-sealed homes, leaving a coating on food, skin and furniture.

Some people developed "dust pneumonia" and experienced chest pain and difficulty breathing. It's unclear exactly how many people may have died from the condition. Estimates range from hundreds to several thousand people.

On May 11, 1934, a massive dust storm two miles high traveled 2,000 miles to the East Coast, blotting out monuments such as the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. Capitol.

The worst dust storm occurred on April 14, 1935. News reports called the event Black Sunday. A wall of blowing sand and dust started in the Oklahoma Panhandle and spread east. As many as three million tons of topsoil are estimated to have blown off the Great Plains during Black Sunday.

An Associated Press news report coined the term "Dust Bowl" after the Black Sunday dust storm.

New Deal Programs

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established a number of measures to help alleviate the plight of poor and displaced farmers. He also addressed the environmental degradation that had led to the Dust Bowl in the first place.

Congress established the Soil Erosion Service and the Prairie States Forestry Project in 1935. These programs put local farmers to work planting trees as windbreaks on farms across the Great Plains. The Soil Erosion Service, now called the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implemented new farming techniques to combat the problem of soil erosion.
READ MORE: Did New Deal Program Help End the Great Depression?
Okie Migration

Roughly 2.5 million people left the Dust Bowl states- Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma-during the 1930s. It was one of the largest migrations in American history.

Oklahoma alone lost 440,000 people to migration. Many of them, poverty-stricken, traveled west looking for work. From 1935 to 1940, roughly 250,000 Oklahoma migrants moved to California. A third settled in the state's agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley.

These Dust Bowl refugees were called "Okies." Okies faced discrimination, menial labor and pitiable wages upon reaching California. Many of them lived in shantytowns and tents along irrigation ditches. "Okie" soon became a term of disdain used to refer to any poor Dust Bowl migrant, regardless of their state of origin.
READ MORE: How the Dust Bowl Made Americans Refugees in Their Own Country

Dust Bowl in Arts and Culture

The Dust Bowl captured the imagination of the nation's artists, musicians and writers.

John Steinbeck memorialized the plight of the Okies in his 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath. Photographer Dorothea Lange documented rural poverty with a series of photographs for FDR's Farm Securities Administration. Artist Alexander Hogue painted Dust Bowl landscapes.

Folk musician Woody Guthrie's semi-autobiographical first album Dust Bowl Ballads in 1940, told stories of economic hardship faced by Okies in California. Guthrie, an Oklahoma native, left his home state with thousands of others looking for work during the Dust Bowl.

SOURCES

FDR and the New Deal Response to an Environmental Catastrophe. Roosevelt Institute.
About The Dust Bowl. English Department; University of Illinois.
Dust Bowl Migration. University of California at Davis.
The Great Okie Migration. Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Okie Migrations. Oklahoma Historical Society.
What we learned from the Dust Bowl: lessons in science, policy, and adaptation. Population and Environment.
The Dust Bowl. Library of Congress.
Dust Bowl Ballads: Woody Guthrie. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
The Dust Bowl. Ken Burns; PBS.

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The Dust Bowl was the name given to the drought-stricken Southern Plains region of the United States, which suffered severe dust storms during a dry period in the 1930s. As high winds and choking dust swept the region from Texas to Nebraska, people and livestock were killed and crops failed across the entire region.

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weaver1234/iStock/GettyImages

Natural disasters - such as hurricanes, cyclones, earthquakes, mudslides, floods, wildfires, volcanic eruptions and weather events like extreme droughts and monsoons - are likely increasing in frequency due to climate change. These events bring with them a host of issues, including humanitarian, public health, environmental and infrastructural problems.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

TL;DR: Natural disasters cause additional problems that last after the disaster is done, including problems with infrastructure, the environment, public health and humanitarian issues.

Climate change and accompanying natural disasters have created a large migrant population, called climate refugees or environmental migrants. These people can be been forced out of their homes by an abrupt natural disaster, like a tsunami, or a slower-moving natural disaster, like a relentless drought. In any case, the area where they formerly lived is no longer habitable for one reason or another, or the standard of living has dropped so drastically that the uncertain future of migration looks more promising.

It is predicted that by the end of the century there will be 2 billion climate refugees and environmental migrants. Out of a projected population of 11 billion by 2100, that is almost 1/5 of the people on earth. Most of these people will have lived along the coastlines.

Health issues are one of the most pressing problems after any natural disaster. It is often the case that facilities for water and toilet hygiene are damaged or inoperable: meaning that the safe disposal of human waste quickly becomes a public health hazard. Further, without running water, hand washing and food hygiene rapidly deteriorate.

During and after events like hurricanes and floods, standing water can be a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria and disease vectors like mosquitoes. In cases where transportation capabilities and infrastructure are damaged, survivors of natural disasters can be cut off from life-saving medications for both acute and chronic conditions, and be isolated from rescue and emergency healthcare services.

After a natural disaster event, survivors can experience mental health consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

In March 2011, a tsunami following the 9.0-magnitude Tōhoku earthquake in Japan caused what came to be known as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, where radioactive material was released in Japan and into the Pacific Ocean. This was the largest nuclear disaster since Chernobyl, and it caused a cascade of issues in the ecosystem and surrounding waters, spreading radioactive material through far-ranging ocean currents.

Natural disasters, from tsunamis to wildfires, can cause wide-ranging and long-term consequences for ecosystems: releasing pollution and waste, or simply demolishing habitats.

One of the most immediate and economically devastating concerns with natural disasters is the damage to both public and private infrastructure. These events can cause billions of dollars in damages, and not all governments are equipped to fund the process of post-disaster cleanup and rebuilding.

Further, many private homeowners do not have property insurance, and certain natural disasters fall outside of the scope of insurance coverage; this means that in the wake of a disaster, people can end up losing all of their assets with no opportunity for restitution.

Natural disasters can have long-term negative consequences beyond the immediate loss of life and demolition of infrastructure. Often, an area impacted by a natural disaster will show scars of the event for years to come.

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What Are the Negative Effects of Natural Disasters?

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weaver1234/iStock/GettyImages Natural disasters - such as hurricanes, cyclones, earthquakes, mudslides, floods, wildfires, volcanic eruptions and weather events like extreme droughts and monsoons - are likely increasing in frequency due to climate change.

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Earthquakes, temblors, quakes, tremors: These names are used to describe the sudden release of energy in the earth's crust causing movement.

Firstly, lets get to know some terms that are associated with earthquakes:

Earthquake: A sudden and violent movement of a portion of the earth's crust, and the series of vibrations that follow.

Earths crust: This is the solid thin layer that covers the outside of the earth. To put it in perspective, think of it as the skin on the outside of an apple.

Plate: A plate is a section of the earths crust. Plates slide along either beside, over or under each other, causing friction and pressure between the plates.

Magnitude: The amount of energy released during an earthquake, which is computed from the measurement of seismic waves.

Fault: The gaping hole which can occur as a result of an earthquake. This hole can be the size of a small crack to the size of an olympic swimming pool or larger.

Fault zones: Where giant rock slabs that are made up of the earths crust collide and slide against each other regularly, causing the land to be unstable.

Seismic waves: These waves are the vibrations and movement that travel from the earthquake fault at very high speeds. The vibrations of these waves are what cause the most destruction during the earthquakes.

This gigantic release of energy creates what are known as 'seismic waves'. These waves cause the one of the most terrifying and destructive acts of nature on the planet. These natural phenomena are sudden, violent shakes of the earth that are caused by the breaking and moving of the rock in the earths crust as it releases strained energy that has built up over a long period of time. Earthquakes occur when the energy has built up so long that is snaps and cause smashing and crashing under the earths surface and between the plates.

The 'seismic activity' of an area holds refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes that are experienced over a period of time. Frequency means the strength of the earthquake.

Measurements of earthquakes

Measurement of earthquakes are measured using readings from instruments called seismometers. Scientists use the 'magnitude rating' to measure earthquakes. This rating measures the strength of the seismic waves and the period of time they lasted for. An earthquake measuring between 3 and 5 on the magnitude rating is considered normal. When they are between 3 and 5 there usually is not too much damage done, but the tremors can be felt in the ground. When the magnitude rating is between the numbers 5 and 7, this is regarded as moderate to strong. Earthquakes of this magnitude do not cause a huge amount of damage or loss of lives, but can leave some destruction in its trail, like cracks in the ground, landslides. Major earthquakes are rated between 7 and 8, and 8 or more is a seriously large natural disaster.

The largest earthquake ever recorded was slightly over 9 on the magnitude rating. This earthquake occurred in northern Japan in 2011, killing hundreds of people and destroys buildings within the area. This earthquake also caused a 23 foot tsunami and was followed by more than fifty aftershocks.

Earthquakes can cause many other natural disasters once they strike, here are their names and a brief description of each:

Tsunami - Are giant sea waves that are produced by the sudden violent movement of the earths plates of volcanos under the water. The time periods of these waves can last up to an hour, causing massive devastation as seen in Sri Lanka in 2004.

Fires - Fires can be caused when earthquakes damage electrical power stations or gas lines. These fires can be impossible to stop sometimes. In 1906 in San Francisco, fire caused by an earthquake killed more people than the earthquake itself.

Landslides and avalanches - Earthquakes can produce unstable slopes which can lead to the moving of the ground, which is called a landslide. Landslides can cause sever damage after an earthquake occurs, for example it can crash down homes, cars of even people.

Floods - A flood is an overflow of water that reaches land. This occurs when a lake, dam or river overflows due to the movement of land due to an earthquake or landslide. Floods can have devastating effects on terrain, animal life and human life.

Human and animal death - Of course, earthquake can cause severe injury and loss of life for both humans and animals. Properties can also suffer, and the collapse of buildings are expected when highly measured earthquakes occur. The aftermath of an earthquake can cause disease and lack of basic necessities for people.

Natural Disaster: Earthquakes

The earthquakes that occur anywhere on the planet that has a large amount of built up elastic strain energy to push a piece of the earth's crust, called a plate. The sides of the fault can move past each other with no interruption only if there is nothing in the way. If there is something in the way of the moving plate, this can lead to the formation of stick-slip behavior. Once the fault gets stuck in a position, the pressure will build up continuously. This energy will become stored energy. The energy can be released due to a combination of elastic strain seismic waves, heating caused by friction of the fault surface, or cracking of the plate. When one or more of these occur, an earthquake will be caused.

Earthquake clusters

Most earthquakes form part of a sequence, related to each other in terms of location and time. The 'Ring of Fire' is a rim along the Pacific Ocean where 80% of the planets earthquakes occur. These earthquakes are also due to the amount of volcanic activity in the area. In a 25000 mile horseshoe shape, the Ring of Fire causes a spontaneous series of faults, volcanic arcs, belts, plate movements and oceanic trenches. The Ring of Fire contains 452 volcanoes, 75% of which are active. About 90% of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the worlds largest earthquakes occur in this area.

In general when a magnitude of 8 hits anywhere in the world it can cause a lot of damages and loses. On average around 10,000 people die on a yearly basis due to earthquake. Most of the human deaths caused by the result of earthquakes are collapsing buildings. The destruction of buildings, bridges and historical monuments is often caused by mudslides, floods, tsunami or fire. The small trembles that occur after a large earthquake can make rescue operations very difficult and impossible especially in areas surrounding buildings, bridges etc.

Religious and cultural facts and beliefs about earthquakes:

In Greek mythology, earthquakes were caused by the god Poseidon. It was believed that when he was in a bad mood, he would strike the ground with a trident and cause many calamities. He would also cause earthquakes to get revenge.

In Japanese mythology, earthquakes were caused by the thrashing about of a giant catfish that was named Namazu who lived under the earths crust.

In popular culture, the portrayal of earthquakes is shaped by the memory of cities that were destroyed, such as San Francisco in 1906.

Earthquake Related Articles

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Earthquakes, temblors, quakes, tremors: These names are used to describe the sudden release of energy in the earth's crust causing movement. Firstly, lets get to know some terms that are associated with earthquakes: Earthquake: A sudden and violent movement of a portion of the earth's crust, and the series of vibrations that follow.

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What is a Flood?

The definition of a flood is land covered by water that is not usually covered by water. This means that any time a river, lake, or other body of water overflows its banks, it's technically flooding. However, most people think of the more catastrophic types of floods, as those are the type that cause widespread damage and loss of life. Unless a flood causes some kind of financial damage or loss of life to humans or livestock, it's not considered a significant flood.

There are a number of causes for floods, and the most common warning is that floods can happen anywhere it rains. Just because an area has no history of flooding doesn't mean it can't be flooded at some point. Some floods have happened in areas where there has been no flooding for hundreds of years, while some flooding happens on a yearly basis in some areas and countries. In general, flooding is hard to prepare for, though flood maps are drawn up and in some cases, measures are taken to prevent heavy flooding in the future.

Flooding causes

Floods cause so much damage because they're unpredictable and many things can cause floods. There are flash floods, which happen quickly and rush through. Then there are slow floods which build up over a period of time. Either way, it's very hard to predict exactly how much damage will be done, how to best stop the flow, and most of all, how to prevent it from happening again.

Though there are more causes for floods, these are the most common

--Heavy rainfall: Flooding from rainfall generally happens when more rain falls than the soil, rivers, and streams can absorb. Tilled fields become swamps, creating a muddy flood which moves large amounts of sediment. When rivers and streams can no longer hold water, they start to flood their banks as the water is carried further down to the next body of water. Soil that is soaked can no longer absorb water and if the rivers are already full, the water continues to build up. Often, flooding happens on frozen or concrete ground and the rain cannot be absorbed. Often, the build up of water and debris can fill up gutters and drainage pipes making it hard for the flood waters to flow freely into the body of water.

--Melting snow and ice: Because snow and ice covers large patches of ground, as it melts, it saturates the ground as it flows into rivers and streams. The rivers are often thawing as well, making for a higher level of water as it is. Combine the melting with the rains that usually come in spring, and flooding is likely. Especially during long, harsh winters, snow and ice can build up, making for a large amount of water needing to drain out in a relatively short amount of time.

--Destruction: There are several catastrophic causes for flash floods. These are often caused by a dam or levee breaking and causing huge amounts of water to come rushing down onto the plains. The destruction of a dam or levee is often brought on by another natural disaster, such as a hurricane, cyclone, or earthquake. When a dam or levee can't hold the water back anymore, water that is meant to be stored or held back suddenly crashes down on whatever is in its way, often causing incredible damage in its wake. Other natural disasters that can cause floods are earthquakes or volcanic eruptions which bring tsunamis. Hurricanes and cyclones often cause flooding as the large amounts of water can't be absorbed or the fast winds cause waves to crash and flood coastal areas.

--River obstructions: There are times when development means changing the natural course of rivers. In order to clear land for crops or housing, rivers are "guided" through a different course, often creating conditions for flooding. In many areas where this happens regularly, the rivers are given back the land, so that extra water can flow easily. However, there are other times when a river gets blocked by large sections of ice, debris, or landslides. The buildup of water around these areas can cause flooding and then flash floods if the obstruction gives way. Very rarely animal habitats, such as beaver dams can cause river flooding.

Flood damages

Because so much of the damage inflicted by floods has long-lasting consequences, floods are among the more catastrophic of natural disasters. Water can cause permanent damage and cleanup after a flood includes getting rid of huge amounts of mud, debris, and even livestock carcasses.

There is often loss of life as a result of heavy flooding, causing emotional trauma for those who have gone through it. Even if people have not been directly affected by the loss of life, losing property, houses, or land can cause physiological damage. Especially if the people affected are unable to rebuild due to the houses being too badly damage, farm land being inundated with salt water, or lack of resources to rebuild, many find the recovery to be more than just physical.

Damage to property during flooding is often extensive. Vehicles should not be driven through flooded areas, but often they are caught unaware, creating the need for replacement or extensive repairs. Houses that have been flooded mildly might survive with just a good cleaning, but big floods often render homes unlivable without massive repairs or restructuring. Many personal items are lost forever, such as paper documents, photographs, clothing, and household items. Furniture and woodwork are often damaged beyond repair and must be replaced entirely.

In severe floods, communication systems can fail due to lines being broken. Power is often hindered if power generators and transmission is in some way destroyed or damaged. Getting power restored after a flood is challenging as water transmits electricity and can hurt anyone standing in water. If sewage or water systems are compromised during flooding, water supplies can be contaminated. This can result in waterborne diseases such as typhoid or cholera among others.

Land that has be saturated often cannot grow new crops for some time. If the water was saline, such as in flooding near the sea, land will not be able to be cultivated for some years. Loss of livestock can also result in farmers losing their livelihood and needing to start over with young animals means losing the profit that would have come during that time. Any livelihood that depends on farming or ranching can be seriously affected by floods as farms and ranches often need to be near a body of water in order to live.

Preparation

Some precautions can be taken, such as creating flood maps and working with nature to prevent excessive flooding. In some areas levees have been built, but these are not entirely flood proof. Modern advancements in flood prediction enables people to be more prepared. These predictions won't be able to prevent the floods, but enable people and livestock to get to safety in time. Flood warnings are taken very seriously as lives depend on it.

Flood Related Articles

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The definition of a flood is land covered by water that is not usually covered by water. This means that any time a river, lake, or other body of water overflows its banks, it's technically flooding. However, most people think of the more catastrophic types of floods, as those are the type that cause widespread damage and loss of life.

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What Is A Volcanic Eruption?

A volcanic eruption is one of the most dangerous and magnificent natural disasters. When a volcano erupts, the volcano sends out ash clouds, lava and even volcanic bombs. There is a high risk of danger from slow moving lava; though, the lava might move slowly, it is very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage to property and human life.

Volcanic eruptions comprise of 3 stages:

Magmatic eruptions - when gas is released under decompression.

Phreatomagmatic eruptions - when a thermal contraction comes from water.

Phreatic eruptions - when steam erupts.

The Magnitude of Volcanoes

When there is an earthquake, little vents are created in which magma is allowed to form. This is pushed up through these vents and towards the crust of the volcano. Steam vents are created when the magma reaches a certain level and reaches a boiling point which begins the eruption. The eruption might result in a total eruption. This is when gas driven explosion send magma to the volcano's crust creating lava outpouring from the volcano.

Some eruptions are not as strong as others. All volcanic eruptions can vary in strength; with some not reaching any civilians or causing too much damage. However, others can spread over a vast area, sometimes reaching several miles from the volcano. Some eruptions do not always contain lava flow or lava fountains which aren't always very dangerous. However, some eruptions can be on a huge scale, very violent and very, very dangerous with explosions heard from the volcano.

Some eruptions can be passive and not very dangerous however; some are explosive and can be very and high dangerous. Some volcanoes do not just erupt from their peeks, some can have eruptions at any part of the mountain, it's not just the peeks that are the most deadly for volcano eruptions. One of the biggest and well known eruptions was in Pompeii.

The entire city of Pompeii was buried when the volcano at Pompeii erupted. However, this is only one example of a type of eruption; another type of eruption is in Norway, a volcano that had been dormant for years suddenly became active, however, the local towns were evacuated and the volcano erupted. However, there was no great scale eruption. Lava flowed but didn't reach the town, this was a very small eruption compared to many others.

When Can An Eruption Happen?

Volcanic eruptions happen deep down inside the earth. When the earth's tectonic plate's shift, it causes more than just earthquakes, it can create new volcanoes or vents. Underneath the surface of the earth, debris, gases from the planet and molten rock are stored creating new formations of vents and volcanoes.

As soon as the magma thickens and builds up with the gases of planet can create explosions and cause lava to flow upwards and have ash released into the air causing thick clouds of smoke often seen overhead volcanoes. If there is an increased magma but a decrease of planet gases, then the eruption will not be as great.

However, lava can reach an amazing heat possibly even 2000 degrees Fahrenheit; sometimes it can be even higher than that. Lava can actually destroy everything in its path, even an entire village. There can be huge rocks or even boulder types reigning down from the volcano and onto populated areas. There can also be toxic gases and ash which causes severe lung problems to many vulnerable people including children and elderly people.

Volcano eruptions can happen at any given time. If there is a change to the tectonic plates in which a volcano sits on, then it can erupt at any given time. There is no set time as to when they will erupt or how much damage they'll cause.

Understanding the Volcanoes

When there is a volcanic eruption, there could be many other dangers which occur. These things can be such as flash floods, mudflows, landslides and rock falls, and even earthquakes. However, there can also be things such as fire and acid rain that follows a volcano erupting. It might not seem as though there are many active volcanoes erupting but there is a great deal of active volcanoes and the fact that they haven't erupted doesn't mean it will always be like this. There are dangers every day from active volcanoes.

What Can You Do Before A Volcanic Eruption?

There are steps which anyone can take before a volcano erupts and they are very simple steps. These small but simple steps can help protect homes, and protect your families also in the event of a volcanic eruption. If you live in an area which has an active volcano, even if it might be up to 100 miles away, there is still a risk because a volcano can erupt at any time.

Have An Emergency Supply Kit

This can be a small but important kit of some of the simplest items such as water, and non perishable foods. You should look to add batteries, radios, battery powered or hand cranked radios. You can also have torches or flashlights just in case of a power cut or blackout; and have a first aid kit should anyone get hurt.

All of these supplies should be kept in a location which is easy to reach such as a car just in case you need to be evacuated or are being told to do so. If possible, try to add breathing masks or goggles to see through thick ash clouds.

A disaster such as a volcano erupting can happen at any given time and it does mean your family mightn't be at home when it happens. This is why you do need to think about getting in contact with other family members and meeting up again. You need to think carefully about all eventualities and have a good plan to get the family reunited once again.

These are simple plans but if you do live in an area very close to an active volcano, they could end up saving your life and your family's.

You might not realize or understand that a volcano is active or is about to erupt either, however, when a volcanic eruption occurs, you have to be vigilant. You have to be aware of what could happen and how a volcano works.

The World's Natural Disaster

When an eruption occurs, lava can spill over and can absolutely cause mass devastation. Even if the volcano isn't moving fast towards the local town or village, there are still many dangers that can cause harm. The ash clouds can be very dangerous to a person, as is the poison gases and flying debris and rocks. There are many dangers to volcanic eruptions, though this is a natural disaster that cannot be tamed or predicted.

It might sound as though volcanoes aren't that dangerous if they haven't been active for years but they're still dangerous. They have intense heat from lava flows and of course the acid rain can all become dangerous.

Volcano Eruption Related Articles

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A volcanic eruption is one of the most dangerous and magnificent natural disasters. When a volcano erupts, the volcano sends out ash clouds, lava and even volcanic bombs. There is a high risk of danger from slow moving lava; though, the lava might move slowly, it is very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage to property and human life.

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What is a Hurricane?

Hurricanes can be described as giant, swirling storms. They are severe 'tropical storms' and are usually accompanied by treacherous thunderstorms. These monster storms can reach winds speeds up to 160 miles per hour. They can also unleash a whopping 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day.

Hurricanes occur in the Caribbean Sea, Eastern Pacific Ocean, Southern Atlantic Ocean and in the Gulf of Mexico.

Types of Winds

These same 'tropical storms' are known as 'cyclones' in the northern Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, and similar storms are known as 'typhoons' in the western Pacific Ocean. These storms may have different names, but they all have similar and devastating effects.

● Tropical depression

A tropical depression is an occurrence which consists of clouds and thunderstorms joining together. A tropical depression can have wind speeds up to 39 mph. This is the maximum wind speed that is expected from a tropical depression. It has no eye and does not typically have the organization or the spiral shape of more powerful storms. It's pressure is lower than more serious storms, and this is why it is given the name "depression".

● Tropical storm

A tropical storm is a group of heavy thunderstorms with a specific surface circulation and greatest constant winds between 39 - 74 mph. During this point, the typical cyclonic shape starts to develop, though an eye is not always present. The Government weather services assign names to the cyclone that reaches this intensity and strength.

● Hurricane or typhoon

A hurricane or typhoon system involved sustained winds that reach at least 34 meters per second or 74 miles per hour. A hurricane can be sometimes referred to as a tropical cyclone, as opposed to a depression or storm. The eye of the storm is actually the calmest part of the storm, and is at this point the pressure is at its lowest. The eye can be observed from satellite images. These images look like small, circular shaped spots that have no clouds. The area that is called the eye wall surrounds the eye of the storm. The size of the area is between 16 -80 kilometers wide. In the eye wall the winds and thunderstorms are the strongest and cause the greatest amount of damage. The strongest winds sustained in recorded tropical cyclones have been measured at 195 miles an hour or 85 meters a second.

Where and when hurricanes occur

Areas that are subjected to, and regularly experience hurricanes are all the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas. Parts of the Southwest United States and Pacific Coast also experience heavy rains, storms and floods each year as results of hurricanes that hit Mexico.

The Atlantic hurricane season starts in the month of June and ends in November. Mid August to early October is considered as the peak seasons for hurricanes. The Eastern Pacific hurricane starts and ends around May 15 - November 30.

Hurricanes start off in the warm ocean waters as tropical disturbances. The temperature of these waters would be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressure from these systems produces energy from the warm water. A storm is termed a 'tropical depression' as it achieves wind speeds of 38 miles per hour. (61 kilometers per hour).

A tropical depression becomes a tropical storm when its wind speeds reach up to 39 miles an hour. When a storm's unrelenting wind speeds reach at 74 miles an hour it forms a hurricane and earns a category rating of 1 to 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

The scale is used to measure the strength and intensity of a hurricane. It ranges from one-five rating. The scale is used to give an accurate estimation of the flooding and property damages expected down the coast from the storm. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale.

Hurricanes can be described as giant heat engines that produce large scale energy. They draw heat from warm ocean air and release it through condensation of water vapor during thunderstorms.

The low pressure centre which the hurricane spins around is known as the 'eye', or the 'eye of the storm'. Sinking air makes this 20 to 30-mile-wide area notoriously calm.

The dangers of hurricanes

The major fear we have on hurricanes is its capability to cause catastrophic damages to not just the coastlines but to several miles inland. Today's stats show that hurricanes are capable of producing winds exceeding 155 mph (miles per hour).These high winds are so powerful and destructive that they can pull entire buildings, boats and farms out of the ground and relocate them to several miles away from where they were originally found.

Apart from it, hurricanes are also able to create and form heavy storm around the coastal areas that can cause heavy damage due to heavy rainfall. The most destructive results of hurricanes are the floods and flying debris from the extreme winds. It's the slow moving hurricanes that produce heavy rains especially moving to mountainous regions which results in mudslides and landslides. Nonstop heavy rainfall can also causes flash flooding.

Strong tropical cyclones at sea can cause high winds, heavy rain and large waves that causes shipwrecks and disrupt shipping. Tropical cyclones swirl up water causing cool winds behind.

On land, the heavy winds can cause catastrophic disasters and most of the time even destroys vehicles, bridges, buildings, barns and other outdoor structures. The winds can turn debris into deadly objects in a matter of seconds.

The storm surge in sea levels increases to causes problems due to the tropical cyclone, which are typically the worst effect from land falling. It has been recorded that these effects result in 90% of tropical cyclone deaths. The wide rotation of the land falling tropical cyclones and wind forms tornadoes. Tornadoes can also be produced as a result of eye wall vortex, which can persist until landfall.

Over the past two hundred years, these tropical cyclones have been held responsible for causing the deaths of around 1.9 million people worldwide. Large undrained areas had large amounts of water caused by flooding. This results to form infection in many people and contributed to mosquito-borne illnesses. Crowded evacuation shelters increase the risk of disease spreading. Tropical cyclones can had negative effects infrastructure and sometimes they cannot be fixed quickly. This can lead to power cuts, bridge destruction, and can make reconstruction efforts very difficult.

Although cyclones take an enormous toll on human lives and public and personal property, they may have very important effects on the water regimes of locations that they occur in. This is because they transport the very necessary water to drier regions. Tropical cyclones can also play a part in global warming. They help maintain the global heat balance by the warm and damp air being moved to the middle latitudes and Polar Regions. The cyclones also help keep the heat balance maintained by regulating the thermohaline circulation. The hurricanes strong winds and storm surge are usually destructive to human-made structures, but they also affect the water in important fish breeding areas. In fact, it is popular that due to the destruction that the tropical cyclones cause, the local property values increase and will result in development.

Global warming effects on hurricanes

A U.S. Geographical Laboratory has run tests to determine the effects of global warming on hurricanes. Their studies and research conclude that there are high possibilities of extreme and intense hurricanes to occur in the next century since the climate is warmed due to the increase in greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

Hurricane Video

Hurricane Related Articles

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Hurricanes can be described as giant, swirling storms. They are severe 'tropical storms' and are usually accompanied by treacherous thunderstorms. These monster storms can reach winds speeds up to 160 miles per hour. They can also unleash a whopping 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day.

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A Tsunami is a series of gigantic water waves that causes a surge of water onto land. These surges can reach heights up to 100 feet. The massive height of the surges can lead to devastating effects when it crashes over land. It can occur in large lakes but mainly occurs in seas.

Here are some terms that are associated with tsunamis:

Tide: The term 'tide' refers to the alternate rising and falling of the sea level at shores.

Seismic waves: Seismic waves of energy that travel through the Earth's crust layers or plates, and are a result of an earthquake or a volcano eruption which can lead to causing tsunamis.

Surge: A surge of water is a strong swelling volume of water.

Earthquake: A sudden and violent movement of a portion of the earth's crust, and the series of vibrations that follow.

Earth's crust: This is the solid thin layer that covers the outside of the earth. Is the solid layer upon which we live. To put it in perspective, think of it as the skin on the outside of an apple.

Plate: A plate is a section of the earths crust. Plates slide along either beside, over or under each other, causing friction and pressure between the plates.

Teletsunami: A tsunami which causes damage a long distance away from the source has been given the name 'teletsunami'. These types of tsunamis are not produced by horizontal motions, but by vertical motions in the seabed.

Tsunami waves are caused by large underwater earthquakes where there are tectonic plate boundaries. They can also be caused by volcano eruption under the ocean or lake. Even giant landslides have been known to cause large tidal waves or tsunamis in the past.

Tectonic plates are sections of the earth's crust that move against each other.

When the pressure of the tectonic plate at the ocean floor releases pressure, it causes the water above to create a series of rolling waves which will build up to cause more turbulent and fast moving waves. These waves will turn into one large wave and will eventually result in a tsunami.

Tsunamis do not appear as a breaking wave. Initially it may resemble a tide that is rising rapidly. Tsunamis generally consist of a series of waves with periods ranging from minutes to hours, arriving in what can be called a "wave train".

The Pacific Ring of Fire

Almost 80 percent of tsunamis occur within the Pacific Ocean's 'Ring of Fire'. This is due to the amount of earthquake and volcanic activity in the area, which occur due to the tectonic shifts in the earth's plates.

Tsunamis can reach speeds up to 500 miles per hour, racing across the sea. That is about as fast as a jet plane! Tsunamis can travel the entire length of the Pacific Ocean in less than a day. There is virtually no energy lost along the way due to their extremely long wavelengths.

The formation of a Tsunami

When tsunamis begin to form, they only appear a foot of so high in the deep ocean. This makes them impossible to distinguish. The closer they get to the shoreline and enter shallower water, their energy and height grow to drastic measures. The speed and momentum increases due to the top of the waves moving faster that the bottom does.

The lowest point under the wave usually reaches the shore first. When it reaches the shore, it produces what is described as the 'vacuum effect', which sucks the coastal water into the sea and gives the opposite effect of a tsunami. When this occurs, the sea floor is left completely waterless and the seafloor is totally exposed. This is the first sign a tsunami is about to hit.

The next stage causes the most serious and devastating effects. About five to ten minutes after the water retreats, the tsunami will hit. This gives people little time to escape the wrath of the tsunami; however the warning can save lives. When a tsunami hits it is important for people to remember that the danger may not have passed with the first wave or two. The aftershock of earthquakes can cause more waves to occur, sometimes even hours after the initial wave hits. The best defense against any tsunami is early warning that allows people to seek higher ground.

Pacific coastal countries are some of the most Tsunami prone areas in the world. Here is a list of some of the countries who have been affected or that could be affected by tsunamis:

Problems caused by Tsunamis

Tsunamis can cause great loss of life and a serious decrease in population. Drowning is the most popular cause of death when a tsunami hits. Here are some dangers it can cause to the environment.

Shipwrecks can be left ashore when tsunamis hit. This can cause major pollution and can take time and money to remove.

Animals can be washed up to shore and die.

They can also flood the lands near the shore. This leaves crops damaged and the community can suffer from a lack of food and work.

Some people might left be trapped under buildings for long periods of time while search and rescue teams attempt to get a hold on the situation. The damage can be so great that people often die while trapped.

Tsunamis can cause economic decline as they have to spend a lot of money rebuilding the houses and restoring the original landscape. As the devastation can occur in very poor countries, there is usually not be enough help or money to completely rebuild entire livelihoods.

Strongest Tsunami in history

One of the most well known and recent incidence of a tsunami was in Indonesia, on the 26th of December 2004. A 9.3 magnitude earthquake triggered a series of giant tsunamis along the coasts of most landmasses that bordered the Indian Ocean. This was also one of the largest earthquakes recorded. It killed over 230,000 people in fourteen different countries. It was recorded as one was one of the worst natural disasters in history. Indonesia was hit the hardest and Sri Lanka, Thailand and India also suffered greatly.

Due to the distances involved, the disastrous tsunami took between fifteen minutes and seven hours to reach the all the different coastlines. The tsunami took seven hours to hit Somalia. Sumatra, and Indonesian island was hit very quickly especially in the northern regions. The east coast of India and Sri Lanka were hit somewhere between 90 minutes to two and a half hours later. Thailand was hit around two hours later despite the fact that it was closer to the epicentre The reason for this is because the water was more shallow in the Andaman Sea, which is off the western coast.

The earthquake which caused the tsunami affected many countries even beyond Southeast Asia. These other countries included Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and South Africa. Australia and Europe had a large number of their citizens in the region at the time of the disaster, along with many other countries. There were 543 Swedish people and 539 German people lost in the disaster.

Tsunami Related Articles

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A Tsunami is a series of gigantic water waves that causes a surge of water onto land. These surges can reach heights up to 100 feet. The massive height of the surges can lead to devastating effects when it crashes over land. It can occur in large lakes but mainly occurs in seas.

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What Is A Wildfire?

Wildfires are some of the worst types of natural disasters to hit any part of the world. However, the wildfires are uncontrollable and controlled also and usually start up in areas which are in the wilderness. Some call these wildfires or refer to them as a forest fire, bush fire, brush fire and many other names. However, whatever they are referred as, they are dangerous and unpredictable also.

However, a wildfire does differ from other types of fire because of its sheer size. Every fire is deadly but a wildfire is extremely dangerous and is another step up from other types of fire. The size of a wildfire can be extraordinary and is very difficult to control also even with dozens of fire fighters working on the fires.

The speed of a fire can be quite fast also; and it does even have the ability to jump gaps. These gaps such as rivers and even roads, the fire can actually jump to avoid this gap which is extraordinary and something which most other fires cannot achieve. On almost every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, wildfires occur. They are mostly found in Australia and in fact, Australia does have regular occurrences of wildfires and it is due to the summers being extremely hot and longer than most other countries.

The Four Risks

They are going to pose a huge risk on human life as well as property and landscape also. These wildfires can occur at any given time of the year but more often in the hotter months such as spring and summer. There are actually four main risks which can start a wildfire.

Lightning is a huge cause of fires starting but there are also spontaneous combustion, sparks from rock falls and even a volcano erupting can all cause a wildfire starting. These things might not always occur every day of the week but when they do, they can be terrible and cause a lot of damage including starting a wildfire.

For the most part, arsonists are to blame; this and accidents are some of the other risks contributed with the breakouts of a wildfire. However, in some occasions, these fires can be small and extinguished if the fire is caught quickly and dealt with quickly also. This is the case for most wildfires and it is difficult to deal with the fire even if there are dozens of fire fighters working to stop it.

Some wildfires occur in forest areas and in some cases, dry land. It can be very easy to start a fire up in these areas because they are many fuel sources to consume also.

The Properties of Creating a Wildfire

Wildfire can be a devastating and terrible natural disaster to occur. These uncontrolled blazes can be fuelled by almost everything including the wind, dry underbrush and even by property. The wildfires can destroy everything that is in path within minutes, seconds possibly because these can get so out of control and so wild.

Across the world there have been thousand different wildfires that stretch vast and get out of control. Millions of acres of land have been destroyed because of the wildfires. A wildfire however can move at great speeds, it can in fact be almost fourteen miles an hour; and it can burn home, brush, trees and even living people and animals alike. Anything in its path can be destroyed.

The Conditions for a Wildfire Starting

These are the 3 ingredients for a wildfire starting and burning. Of course, everything needs oxygen and fires especially needs oxygen to burn continuously and they also need fuel. Anything which is flammable, any material which is flammable that is, can be used as fuel. This can be anything from homes, grass, brush, trees; almost anything that can be burned can be used as fuel.

If there is a greater fuel load, then the fire will intensify. However, there is also a need for a heat source. This helps to spark the fire and bring the temperatures up to a terrible heat and if it does reach a certain point, it could ignite a fire. A heat source could be things such as burning campfires, hot winds, cigarettes being left in a dry area or even lightning. Sometimes, the sun can offer enough heat to start a wildfire.

Human or Nature Causes?

Shockingly, most wildfires are going to be started by every day people and not often nature. However, that doesn't mean to say nature doesn't have a helping hand in the starting of a fire. If the weather is dry and if there has been a recent drought then it can all contribute to a wildfire starting and it does happen more and more today.

If the ground does dry up then crops can actually become a fuel source and if there are strong winds then it can make the fire out of control. Winds can also spread the fire very quickly indeed and with hot temperatures forming it can contribute to combustion. All of these things can create fires and it can be done by both human hand and by Mother Nature also. It can be a combination of both, because if there is a drought and an area has become quite dry, then it takes one human act to ignite the flames.

It can be an arsonist, an accident with a cigarette or even a campfire. A wildfire can even start because of a downed power line; and it just takes a second for ignition and another minute for the fire to become out of control. Sometimes, these wildfires can last only a short period of time and sometimes it can be weeks and destroy hundreds of land in the process.

Starving the Fire

There are many ways to help stop the wildfire from spreading. Most fire fighters are going to deprive the fire of fuel by dousing land with water and clearing vegetation to help stop the fire from spreading further. Rarely, the fire can be slowed down completely or even contained but it does take a lot of work and many fire fighters also.

Strangely, those fighting the wildfires can often start controlled burning fires to help remove brush and litter and stopping fuel being added to the existing fires. It mightn't sound right but these are natural occurrences and actually play a part in nature because the fire returns nutrients into the ground and soil; in the process, old, decaying and dead soil is removed. Yes, the wildfires are terrible things because they can cause a lot of devastation to homes and take lives but they are a part of nature.

They remove plants which may be diseased and stop insects which are harmful to the ecosystem. It is strange as to how a wildfire can be in a way, something good for the parts of the ground which are dying because new plants and trees can be plants and grow there.

Wildfire Related Articles

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Wildfires are some of the worst types of natural disasters to hit any part of the world. However, the wildfires are uncontrollable and controlled also and usually start up in areas which are in the wilderness. Some call these wildfires or refer to them as a forest fire, bush fire, brush fire and many other names.

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Earthquakes are unpredictable and can strike with enough force to bring buildings down. Find out what causes earthquakes, why they're so deadly, and what's being done to help buildings sustain their hits.

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Tornadoes, nearly three-quarters of which occur within the U.S., are unpredictable and can cause massive damage. New tools and data are helping scientists learn more about when they might form and what paths they might take.

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Volcanoes are as dangerous as they are majestic. Over 50 eruptions rock our planet every year. This video helps you understand what causes volcanoes to form and erupt-and shows where they are most likely to be found.

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Tsunamis are giant, powerful waves most often caused by earthquakes beneath the ocean floor. Their incredible power can destroy entire communities, then drag the debris out to sea. This video shows what causes tsunamis and the importance of evacuating any area under a tsunami alert.

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WATCH: Find out how hurricanes form and what's being done to better predict their impact.

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See footage of earthquakes from around the world.

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No other kind of natural disaster in America has caused more death and destruction than floods.

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May 21, 2013-Two days before a tornado-with winds clocked at over 200 miles per hour-tore through suburban Oklahoma City on May 20, National Geographic explorer and storm researcher Tim Samaras captured this video of a tornado forming in south-central Kansas.

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The ground shakes, buildings tumble and the earth heaves and cracks. Serious earthquakes are terrifying and dangerous, but are rare in the U.S. But why do earthquakes happen? The earth is made up of four layers - the inner core, outer core, mantle and crust. The mantle and crust are a thin skin compared to the other layers.

The mantle is about 1,750 miles thick, while the crust is only about 8 miles thick. This thin skin is broken into pieces called tectonic plates. The plates are like puzzle pieces, floating on top of the Earth's inner core. Sometimes the pieces slide under or against each other and become stuck.

When the pieces slide apart, they create tremendous force. This force causes the earth to shake and ripple. Over 80 percent of the earth's earthquakes happen in the Pacific Ocean, in a place known as the "Ring of Fire." Annually, around 10,000 people die in earthquakes every year. Most of the deaths happen when people are trapped in falling buildings. After an earthquake, mudslides, fires and tsunamis can also hurt people.

Fun Facts All About Earthquakes for Kids

Alaska, California and Hawaii have the most earthquakes in the U.S. Other western states, like Nevada, Idaho, Washington and Oregon are prone to earthquakes or can be damaged by earthquakes that happen in Alaska and California.

Alaska has more earthquakes than any other U.S. state. It has experienced over 12,000 earthquakes in the last 30 years. Alaska is followed by California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Utah.

Underneath the Earth's surface lie tectonic plates. These plates move and shift over time. Sometimes they slide under one another or push up against each other, creating enormous stress. When they move again, they cause an earthquake.

Scientists who study earthquakes are called seismologists.

Seismologists can tell how serious an earthquake is by a machine called a seismogram, which rates the intensity of the quake's shaking.

Scientists can use special instruments to record an earthquake's strength. An earthquake rated 3 to 5 is minor; an earthquake rated 5 to 7 is moderate to strong; an earthquake rated 7 to 8 is major; an earthquake rated 8 or above is great.

On average, one earthquake measuring 8 or above happens every year.

The area near Japan in the Pacific Ocean has the most earthquakes in the world. This area also has a lot of volcanoes. It is called the Ring of Fire.

Most people who die in earthquakes die when buildings collapse on them. Others die in floods, fires or mudslides that happen after the earthquake.

May 22nd 1960 in Valdivia Chile the largest ever recorded Earthquake measuring a whopping 9.5 magnitude struck.

December 26th 2004 an Earthquake in the Indian Ocean measuring a magnitude of 9.1 on the Richter Scale resulted in a massive Tsunami hitting the region which resulted in the deaths of over 230,000 people.

March 11th 2011 off the coast of Honshu Japan a magnitude 9.0 earthquake caused a massive Tsunami to hit the coast. The Tsunami caused over 18,000.

On our planet earth we have four different types of dip-slip-faults and they are Normal - Reverse - Thrust - Strike Up.

Earthquake Vocabulary

Learn More All About Earthquakes and Why They Happen

Imagine that you're sitting in school when the ground begins to shake. Books fall off the shelves and you might even be thrown from your chair. That's what happens when an earthquake occurs. Earthquakes are the most deadly of all natural disasters. Over 10,000 people die every year in earthquakes.

Easy Science All About Earthquakes for Kids Video

Watch this interesting video all about earthquakes:

Earthquake Q&A

Question: Do all earthquakes cause damage?

Answer: Most earthquakes cause only minor shaking. Southern California has about 10,000 earthquakes every year. Some of them are so mild people don't even feel them.

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Question: What can I do to be safe in an earthquake?

Answer: If you're in a building in an earthquake, get under a table or desk and hold onto it. If you're outside, move to an open area away from trees, buildings or power lines.

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Question: What should I do to keep safe in an earthquake?

Answer: The best way to survive an earthquake is to take cover under a sturdy table. Get down low and place your hands over your head. You can even duck down in a door frame or curl up next to a couch or bed. Don't go outside, though. Many people die from falling debris.

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All About Earthquakes and Why They Happen Fun Science Facts for Kids. Learn more all about Earthquakes through our Easy Earth Science for Kids website.

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FEMA

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FEMA

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Scholastic

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Scholastic Teaching Tools | Resources for Teachers

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Explore Scholastic Teaching Tools for teaching resources, printables, book lists, and more. Enhance your classroom experience with expert advice!

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FEMA

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FEMA

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FEMA

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Red Cross

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Jerry Talbot, the special representative for the tsunami operation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

In mid November in 2008, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, taking four lives, damaging bridges and roads, and forcing 1,000 families from their homes.

Most people around the world didn't hear about the quake and its aftershocks. It just wasn't big enough to make the headlines.

Nevertheless, trained Indonesian Red Cross Society volunteers immediately went into action in Sulawesi. They evacuated people from collapsing houses, distributed medicines, blankets and baby kits, and assessed the situation to see what else people needed.

Thank goodness for those local volunteers. Damage to the roads meant they were on their own during the critical first few hours after the disaster. But even if the roads - and ports and airports - are clear, outside aid always comes later. And the funds available always depend on the generosity of donors.

The Sulawesi disaster reminds us that the most important resource in disasters is not money. It is people, people who are trained and committed, people who are prepared to respond when the unthinkable happens. The spirit of volunteerism from within communities at risk means being on the ground before a disaster strikes and being trained to leap into life-saving action at a moment's notice.

A catastrophe like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami draws an immense profile, billions of dollars of aid, tonnes of relief items and hundreds of foreign aid workers.

With those resources, the Red Cross Red Crescent has been able to run the biggest disaster response operation in its history, with a budget of Swiss francs 3.108 billion and programmes across the Indian Ocean.

The achievements are remarkable, given the diverse range of challenges and complexity thrown up by the disaster. Four years after the disaster, 97 per cent of planned houses have now been completed or are under construction; more than 500,000 people now have access to an improved water source; and 375,000 have been reached by community-based health services.

Yet the tsunami operation is far from normal. Business as usual is responding to a variety of localized, daily shocks that have the potential to undermine years of painstaking social and economic development, and cumulatively affect far greater numbers of people with suffering and hardship. Business as usual in many contexts is dealing with multiple minor disasters, sporadic unrest, outbreaks of disease, ever-higher prices for food and fuel, or creeping climate change.

The best response to these daily shocks is not headlines and donations from afar. The fastest, most appropriate response comes from those who live and work alongside the people affected. It is finding solutions and engaging at the grassroots level.

In the immediate aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, trained Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers - who had often lost loved ones themselves - went to work to help those around them.

That same spirit is alive in Indonesia today after the Sulawesi earthquake. It is alive in the food crisis in the Horn of Africa. It emerged in May 2008 after the Sichuan earthquake and in Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis. And in the ferocious hurricane season in the Americas.

Our work begins long before disaster strikes. Our approach is to reduce the risk of disasters through building a culture of prevention labelled "early warning, early action". Early warning means proactively analyzing real and potential risks, and preparing communities for the expected - and unexpected - threats that may emerge. Early action means addressing structural vulnerabilities to mitigate those risks and to prevent devastation and suffering.

Acehnese fisherman Zainal Abidin lost his house in the tsunami. He asked the Red Cross Red Crescent to build him a traditional-style wood-frame house on stilts. "I chose this house because I am afraid of another earthquake and tsunami," he told the Red Cross Red Crescent. "We are afraid of living in a brick house because of earthquakes, but we feel safer in this wooden stilt house because it doesn't shake when there's an earthquake."

Red Cross Red Crescent programmes build the capacity of the community to cope - and ultimately to strengthen development. Our programmes to enhance disaster preparedness and the capacities of our member National Societies change ways of life, attitudes and mindsets at the grass roots level. They encourage people to work together in peace across ethnic, religious and class lines under common Red Cross Red Crescent principles.

Because of the catastrophic nature of the tsunami, the reality is that many people and places will never fully recover. Tragedy cannot be erased with houses, schools and hospitals, jobs, fishing nets or clean water.

The outpouring of generosity after the tsunami, however, has enabled the Red Cross Red Crescent to invest in enhancing communities' ability to cope with future shocks such as disaster, disease, conflict, inflation or climate change. By building realistic capacity in communities and in local Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteer networks, we work to bring sustainable improvements to people's lives before, during and after disasters.

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Tsunami response strengthens community coping

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Jerry Talbot, the special representative for the tsunami operation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies In mid November in 2008, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, taking four lives, damaging bridges and roads, and forcing 1,000 families from their homes.

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From Time Magazine

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How Disasters Bring out our Kindness.pdf