Target – Classify natural disasters

1. Target – Classify natural disasters I can list the main features of at least 7 different types of natural disaster. I can recognise them from descriptions and know which parts of the world they are most likely to effect. I can list the main features of at least 5 different types of natural disaster. I can recognise them from descriptions and know which parts of the world they are most likely to effect. I can list the main features of at least 3 different types of natural disaster. I can recognise them from descriptions and know which parts of the world they are most likely to effect.

2. Avalanche Earthquake Flood Hurricane Drought Tornado Tsunami Volcano Wildfire

3. Avalanches are made up of s____, i__ and r____. Avalanches take place in m__________ areas, where snow and ice lies on a s_____. The avalance is usually caused by different l______ of snow and ice m______ at different rates. Avalanches can take place without warning, but can be triggered by load n______, or too much v________.

4. Earthquakes are when shock waves travel through the earth’s c_____. The surface of the earth is made up of huge p______, made of rock. Pressures from below can make these plates m____, and where they shift they produce s_____ waves. Earthquakes can trigger a_________, or t______ if the centre of the earthquake is under the sea. Earthquakes are most common where the earth’s plates m____. (see map)

5. There are many causes of flooding. R_______ on plains may be so heavy that the water cannot drain away quickly enough. This causes r______ to burst their b_____, making water flow over the land. If there is too much rainfall in m________, the water may need to create new rivers to allow the excess water to run. Flooding can also be caused by high tides or storms making water flow up river e________.

6. Hurricanes develop from tropical s______. P_______ differences in the atmosphere make wind and cloud rotate over an area of h________ of miles. The hurricane picks up m_______ as it passes over the sea. When it hits land, the hurricane has destructive w____, and also brings torrential r___, leading to the possibility of f_________.Most hurricanes start near the e______ and move n_____wards.

7. A drought is usually caused by a combination of factors. Large parts of A_____ and North A______ depend on s_______ rains. If these do not come, these hot regions lose so much water by e_________, that a drought results. Seasonal rains may be being disrupted more due to g______ warming and changes to the water c_____, caused by de___________.

8. Tornadoes form where there is a particular combination of w____ and c___ weather fronts. This leads to a cloud with rotating w____ of up to 300 mph. This is similar to a h________, but the tornado will only measure a few m_____ across at most. When they form, the tornados are very un__________ and their high winds and heavy localised r____ can make them very destructive.

9. A tsunami is a huge w____ which is caused by an e_________ happening under the ocean. The movements of the earth’s p______ can cause the displacement of huge volumes of water, which form a w____ heading away from the epicentre of the e_________. As the places with most earthquake activity follow c_____lines, these huge waves can cause a lot of destruction when they reach the shore – going m_____ inland over low l______ land.

10. Volcanoes are weak points in the earth’s c____. This allows molten rock called l___ to come to the surface, pushed by huge pressure from b_____. As well as the molten material, volcanoes produce clouds of a___, which can travel for many miles and cover large areas. This can reduce photosynthesis in p_____, but can also be useful in the long term, as the ash contains many m_______ which can make the soil more f______.

11. Wildfires are found in countries where conditions are d__ and h__. The most common natural cause of wildfires is l_________. Wildfires can devastate large areas, fanned by w_____. Two habitats particularly affected are f________ and s______ grassland. Though wildfires can have a terrible effect on animals and plants, they clear areas to allow new p______ to grow, and some species make seeds which only generate after fires

12. Research – • Natural disaster research – • For each type of natural disaster, you need to find one example. • For your example, write a few sentences to summarise – • Where the disaster took place • When the disaster took place • The extent of the damage (areas, distances) • The effect on the habitat • The effect on animal and / or plant species • The effect on humans

15. Tectonics Write a brief explanation of why volcanoes and earthquakes are most common in certain parts of the world. Collect a copy of the world map. Draw in and label areas of earthquake activity, areas of volcanic activity and tectonic plates.

16. Volcanic activity Earthquake activity Plate outline

17. This link takes you to Twig films; Earth Sciences. You will need to log on using your GLOW user name and password to watch the films. You can follow the mind map to watch short (3-5 minute) clips on various aspects of – Volcanoes (Geology link) Earthquakes (Geology Link) Hurricanes (Weather; Wind) Tornadoes (Weather; wind) Avalanches (Weather; water)