Understanding Natural Disasters

What is a natural disaster?

• A man-made event that causes damage

• A natural event that causes significant harm to people and property

• A weather change that occurs every year

• A type of animal migration

Answer explanation

A natural disaster is defined as a natural event that causes significant harm to people and property, distinguishing it from man-made events or regular weather changes. Thus, the correct choice is the second option.

Name two types of natural disasters caused by tectonic activity.

• Hurricanes and tornadoes

• Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

• Floods and droughts

• Tsunamis and blizzards

Answer explanation

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are both directly caused by tectonic activity, as they result from the movement of tectonic plates. In contrast, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and blizzards are not caused by tectonic processes.

How does geography affect the frequency of hurricanes?

• Hurricanes occur more frequently near the equator

• Hurricanes are more common in mountainous regions

• Hurricanes only occur in deserts

• Geography has no effect on hurricanes

Answer explanation

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, which are more prevalent near the equator. This region provides the necessary heat and moisture, leading to a higher frequency of hurricanes compared to other geographical areas.

Which region is known as the 'Ring of Fire'?

• The Atlantic Ocean

• The Arctic Circle

• The Pacific Ocean

• The Sahara Desert

Answer explanation

The 'Ring of Fire' refers to the Pacific Ocean, known for its high volcanic and seismic activity due to tectonic plate boundaries. It encircles the Pacific Ocean, making it the correct answer.

What role does climate play in natural disasters?

• Climate has no impact on natural disasters

• Climate can influence the frequency and intensity of natural disasters

• Climate only affects man-made disasters

• Climate prevents natural disasters

Answer explanation

Climate significantly affects natural disasters by influencing their frequency and intensity. For example, warmer temperatures can lead to more severe storms and droughts, making this choice the correct one.

How can mountains influence disaster events like floods?

• Mountains prevent all types of natural disasters

• Mountains can cause rain to fall more heavily, leading to floods

• Mountains have no effect on floods

• Mountains stop floods from occurring

Answer explanation

Mountains can influence weather patterns, causing orographic lift, which leads to increased rainfall on the windward side. This heavy rain can result in floods, making the correct choice that mountains can cause rain to fall more heavily, leading to floods.

Why are tropical regions more prone to cyclones?

• They have colder temperatures

• They have warm ocean waters that fuel cyclones

• They are located near the poles

• They have less vegetation

Answer explanation

Tropical regions have warm ocean waters, which provide the necessary heat and moisture to fuel cyclones. This warm water is essential for the formation and intensification of these storms.

Give an example of a country affected by earthquakes and explain why.

• Australia, because it is in the middle of a tectonic plate

• Japan, because it is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire

• Egypt, because it is a desert

• Canada, because it is very cold

Answer explanation

Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with high seismic activity due to tectonic plate boundaries. This makes it prone to earthquakes, unlike the other options which do not have similar geological conditions.

A natural event becomes a disaster when it (a)   harm to people and property.

• A natural event is always harmful,
• A natural event becomes a disaster
• There is no difference
• A natural disaster is a planned eve

Answer explanation

A natural event is a phenomenon like a storm or earthquake. It becomes a natural disaster when it results in significant harm to people and property, distinguishing the two concepts.

Match the following statements with their correct descriptions about how maps help us understand natural disaster patterns.

• Maps highlight regions vulnerable to specific disasters

• Maps prevent natural disasters

• Maps act as a barrier against disasters

• Maps show the exact time a disaster will occur

• Maps provide a timeline for disaster events

• Maps can illustrate areas that are prone to certain types of disasters

• Maps are irrelevant in disaster analysis

• Maps have no use in understanding disasters

Answer explanation

Maps can illustrate areas that are prone to certain types of disasters, helping us identify risk zones and understand patterns, which is crucial for preparedness and response planning.