Catastrophic Events An event that causes great distress and suffering; a disaster classified by the extent and intensity of its impact on the ecosystem.

Floods result when rainfall exceeds the holding capacity of a drainage system. For example, water overflows the banks of a river and spreads out across its floodplain. IMPACT- uproot or bury plants, reshape the topography by erosion and deposition, and destroy roads and buildings. People can lose their lives by drowning.

Hurricanes Develop over warm ocean waters as an area of low pressure in the atmosphere. Over time, as more ocean water evaporates into the weather system, the air pressure in the hurricane’s eye decreases, and the intensity of the wind increases. Lots of rain. IMPACT- *storm surges of seawater along the coast cause erosion. *wind damage *excess flooding *tornadoes form within hurricanes.

Tornadoes Violent, rotating columns of air extending from the base of intense storm clouds. Affects an area much smaller in width and distance than that covered by a hurricane, yet tornadoes have much stronger wind speeds. IMPACT- Objects (environmental and structural) in the path of a tornado are totally destroyed

Can We Predict? As a result of the careful study of atmospheric patterns associated with catastrophic storms, meteorologists have been able to forecast the probability, intensity, and paths of heavy rainstorms, flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

Drought a long period of extremely dry weather when there is not enough rain for the successful growing of crops or the replenishment of water supplies IMPACT- *destruction of food supplies *animals and plants die *depletion of groundwater. *sinkholes

Earthquake- Movement of rock along cracks in the Earth's surface (faults) *Caused by the movement of tectonic plates floating on the asthenosphere. *Strength is measured on the Richter Scale or by extent of damage IMPACT * Destroys buildings and roads (negative) *Breaks underground gas lines and pipes *Causes fires when the gas is ignited *Builds mountains (positive)

Wild Fires-An uncontrolled fire caused by lightning or humans Wild Fires-An uncontrolled fire caused by lightning or humans. Occurs more frequently during times of drought. IMPACT: *Destroys plants. *Causes animals to relocate. *Burns homes or buildings *Produces fertile soil (positive)

Tsunamis- A large wave from the ocean caused by underwater earthquakes or landslides. (can be over 100ft.tall) IMPACT: Creates floods Erodes beaches Destroys crops Destroys buildings Kills many people

Answer the following questions in complete sentences: Describe how people can reduce their risk from a natural hazard. Many new homes have been built in valleys near Mt. Rainier, a volcano in Washington state that might erupt again. Should people continue building new homes there? Explain. Is it possible for one natural disaster to cause another natural disaster? Describe and explain. Is there any time a catastrophic event could have a beneficial effect on the environment? How would the ability to predict a catastrophic event ahead of time be beneficial to people?