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natural disaster

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Definition

A natural disaster is a natural event that causes widespread damage or loss of life. It is caused by the forces of nature, such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.

Natural disasters can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Tectonic plate movement: Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. When tectonic plates move, they can cause the ground to shake and buildings to collapse.
  • Extreme weather: Floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes are all caused by extreme weather events. These events can produce strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.
  • Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic eruptions can release a variety of dangerous materials, including ash, lava, and poisonous gases. These materials can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even death.
  • Wildfires: Wildfires can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning, human carelessness, and drought. Wildfires can destroy homes, businesses, and forests.

How can the word be used?

The hurricane was a natural disaster that caused billions of dollars in damage.

natural disaster

Different forms of the word

Noun: A natural event that causes widespread damage or loss of life.

Adjective: Relating to a natural disaster.

Verb: To cause a natural disaster.

Etymology

The word "natural disaster" is a compound word that is made up of the words "natural" and "disaster.".

Natural comes from the Latin word naturalis, which means "of nature.".

Disaster comes from the Latin word disaster, which means "bad omen" or "misfortune.".

The word "natural disaster" was first used in English in the 17th century. It was used to describe events such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes that were caused by natural forces.

Question

What is a natural disaster?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the term "natural disaster" and provide an example of a significant natural disaster. Discuss its causes and the potential impacts on both the environment and human communities.

Answer:

A "natural disaster" refers to a catastrophic event that occurs due to natural processes of the Earth, often causing significant damage to the environment and posing a threat to human lives and property.

One notable example of a natural disaster is earthquakes. These seismic events are caused by the sudden release of energy along faults in the Earth's crust. The shifting of tectonic plates can result in ground shaking, surface rupture, and even tsunamis. The 2010 Haiti earthquake is an illustrative case. It was triggered by the movement of the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault system, resulting in widespread devastation.

The causes of earthquakes are primarily geological and linked to the Earth's dynamic processes. The impacts are far-reaching and can include collapsed buildings, infrastructure damage, loss of lives, and displacement of communities. Environmental consequences may involve landslides, soil liquefaction, and changes in groundwater levels.