Natural Hazards & Disasters Pete Scott Muir Middle School

Types of Natural Hazards & Disasters Types of Natural Hazards & Disasters Tornadoes Tornadoes Hurricanes Hurricanes Earthquakes Earthquakes Volcanoes Volcanoes Floods Floods Tsunamis Tsunamis Winter Storms Winter Storms Wildfires Wildfires

The Hazard: Tornadoes Tornadoes are violent, rotating, funnel-shaped clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground. Tornadoes are violent, rotating, funnel-shaped clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground. They produce winds up to 300 MPH. (Most are less than 100 MPH) They produce winds up to 300 MPH. (Most are less than 100 MPH) More tornadoes occur in the United States than anywhere else in the world; they occur in every state. More tornadoes occur in the United States than anywhere else in the world; they occur in every state. Related Websites: Related Websites: FEMA and Tornadoes FEMA and Tornadoes Weather Wiz Kids: Tornadoes Weather Wiz Kids: Tornadoes National Geographic: Nature’s Fury National Geographic: Nature’s Fury Scholastic Weather Watch Scholastic Weather Watch National Geographic: “Tornado 101” (video) National Geographic: “Tornado 101” (video)

The Disaster: Joplin, Missouri Joplin, Missouri was hit with an E-5 tornado on May 22, The tornado was ½ mile to ¾ mile wide and traveled approximately 13 miles. Tornado winds were estimated in excess of 200 mph. The National Weather Service indicated that the tornado may have moved as slowly at 10 mph in some places. 161 people were killed. The tornado generated nearly 3 million cubic yards of residential debris throughout the disaster area. 1,308 pets were displaced by the tornado & were picked up and taken to emergency pet shelters by animal control staff. 529 pets were returned to their owners. In Jasper and Newton counties, 10,746 individuals and businesses registered for disaster assistance to help with uninsured or underinsured impacts from the tornado. 553 businesses were destroyed or severely damaged. About 5,000 employees were affected. As of May, 2012, 446 businesses had reopened or were in the process of reopening. 39 businesses indicated that they would not rebuild.

Effects of Tornadoes Joplin, Missouri: May, 2011

Tornado Preparation Visit the website below for tornado safety tips for home, school, outdoors, mobile homes and large buildings. Visit the website below for tornado safety tips for home, school, outdoors, mobile homes and large buildings. National Weather Service: Tornado! National Weather Service: Tornado!

The Hazard: Hurricanes Hurricanes are massive storms that occur in the tropics. Hurricanes are massive storms that occur in the tropics. They have winds greater than 75 MPH. They have winds greater than 75 MPH. Clouds & winds spin around the “eye” of the hurricane. Clouds & winds spin around the “eye” of the hurricane. They produce heavy rains, high winds, large waves, and spin-off tornadoes. They produce heavy rains, high winds, large waves, and spin-off tornadoes. Related Websites: Related Websites: NOAA: HurricanesTropical Twisters NOAA: HurricanesTropical Twisters Weather Wiz Kids: Hurricanes Weather Wiz Kids: Hurricanes National Geographic Kids – “Hurricanes 101” (video) National Geographic Kids – “Hurricanes 101” (video) Scholastic Weather Watch: Hurricanes Scholastic Weather Watch: Hurricanes

Hurricanes (N. Atlantic Ocean, the NE Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or the S. Pacific Ocean east of 160E) Typhoon (the NW Pacific Ocean west of the dateline) Severe Tropical Cyclone (the SW Pacific Ocean west of 160E or SE Indian Ocean east of 90E), Severe Cyclonic Storm (the North Indian Ocean), Tropical Cyclone (the SW Indian Ocean) Hurricanes (N. Atlantic Ocean, the NE Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or the S. Pacific Ocean east of 160E) Typhoon (the NW Pacific Ocean west of the dateline) Severe Tropical Cyclone (the SW Pacific Ocean west of 160E or SE Indian Ocean east of 90E), Severe Cyclonic Storm (the North Indian Ocean), Tropical Cyclone (the SW Indian Ocean)

Hurricanes (N. Atlantic Ocean, the NE Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or the S. Pacific Ocean east of 160E) Typhoon (the NW Pacific Ocean west of the dateline) Severe Tropical Cyclone (SW Pacific Ocean west of 160E or SE Indian Ocean east of 90E) Severe Cyclonic Storm (North Indian Ocean) Tropical Cyclone (the SW Indian Ocean) Hurricanes (N. Atlantic Ocean, the NE Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or the S. Pacific Ocean east of 160E) Typhoon (the NW Pacific Ocean west of the dateline) Severe Tropical Cyclone (SW Pacific Ocean west of 160E or SE Indian Ocean east of 90E) Severe Cyclonic Storm (North Indian Ocean) Tropical Cyclone (the SW Indian Ocean)

The Disaster: Hurricane Katrina The Disaster: Hurricane Katrina Katrina was one of the most devastating hurricanes in the history of the U. S. It is the deadliest hurricane to strike the U. S. since It produced catastrophic damage - estimated at $75 billion in the New Orleans area and along the Mississippi coast - and is the costliest U. S. hurricane on record. Katrina caused 10 to 14 inches of rain & thirty- three tornadoes were reported. Katrina is responsible for approximately 1,200 reported deaths (about 1,000 in Louisiana & 200 in Mississippi). 7 additional deaths occurred in southern Florida. Katrina caused catastrophic damage in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Storm surge along the Mississippi coast caused total destruction of many structures, with the surge damage extending several miles inland. Similar damage occurred in portions of southeastern Louisiana. The surge also breached levees in the New Orleans area, resulting in the flooding of much of the city and its suburbs.

Effects of Hurricane Katrina (2005)

Hurricane Preparations Visit this website to learn more about preparing for the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. Visit this website to learn more about preparing for the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane Preparedness for Kids Hurricane Preparedness for Kids

The Hazard: Earthquakes Earthquakes are the shaking caused by movements of plates in the earth’s crust. Earthquakes are the shaking caused by movements of plates in the earth’s crust. They occur along faults - borders between 2 plates. They occur along faults - borders between 2 plates. They occur most often along the Ring of Fire. They occur most often along the Ring of Fire.Ring of FireRing of Fire Related Websites: Related Websites: National Geographic: Earthquakes National Geographic: Earthquakes Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes Scholastic Weather Watch: Earthquakes Scholastic Weather Watch: Earthquakes USGS: Earthquakes for Kids USGS: Earthquakes for Kids

Earthquakes & The Ring of Fire About 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur in The Ring of Fire.

Earthquakes, Volcanoes & The Ring of Fire The Ring of Fire is an area where large numbers of earthquakes & volcanic eruptions occur in the Pacific Ocean. In a 40,000 km (25,000 mi) horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate movements. The Ring of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes. About 90% of the world’s earthquakes and 80% of the world’s largest volcanoes occur along the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is an area where large numbers of earthquakes & volcanic eruptions occur in the Pacific Ocean. In a 40,000 km (25,000 mi) horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate movements. The Ring of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes. About 90% of the world’s earthquakes and 80% of the world’s largest volcanoes occur along the Ring of Fire. 10% of the world’s active volcanoes are found in Japan. Moreover, Japan dangerously lies at the intersection of four tectonic plates. This is the reason why the country is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. There are approximately 1,500 earthquakes recorded yearly in Japan. Minor tremors occur almost daily in various parts of the country, causing slight shaking of buildings. 10% of the world’s active volcanoes are found in Japan. Moreover, Japan dangerously lies at the intersection of four tectonic plates. This is the reason why the country is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. There are approximately 1,500 earthquakes recorded yearly in Japan. Minor tremors occur almost daily in various parts of the country, causing slight shaking of buildings.

The 2010 Chilean earthquake came in at a magnitude of 8.8 for three minutes. Shaking and tremors were felt in much of Chile and South America, including the cities of San Antonio and Buenos Aires. As of February 28, 2010, 723 deaths were confirmed, with many more reported missing. This earthquake was so powerful, it is estimated that it shortened day lengths by 1.26 microseconds, and altered Earth’s axis rotation by 3 inches. The Disaster: Chilean Earthquake (2010)

Effects of Chilean Earthquake

Preparing for Earthquakes Visit this site to learn more about earthquakes. Scroll down through the page to discover valuable tips for earthquake safety. Visit this site to learn more about earthquakes. Scroll down through the page to discover valuable tips for earthquake safety. Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes

The Hazard: Volcanoes There are more than 500 active volcanoes in the world; over half of them are in The Ring of Fire. There are more than 500 active volcanoes in the world; over half of them are in The Ring of Fire. Pressure builds below the earth’s surface, producing eruptions of lava, rock and volcanic gases. Pressure builds below the earth’s surface, producing eruptions of lava, rock and volcanic gases. Related Websites: Related Websites: National Geographic Kids – Volcano 101! (video) National Geographic Kids – Volcano 101! (video) Weather Wiz Kids: Volcanoes Weather Wiz Kids: Volcanoes Eruption: Iceland’s Volcanoes Eruption: Iceland’s Volcanoes Scholastic Weather Watch: Volcanoes Scholastic Weather Watch: Volcanoes

Volcanoes & Plate Tectonics

Volcanic Eruptions

The Disaster: Iceland Volcanic Eruption (2010) In 2010, one of Iceland’s largest volcanoes, Eyjafjallajokull, erupted. It sent clouds of ash into the air. By the next afternoon, most of Europe’s major airports - crucial hubs for international travelers - were closed. Thousands of flights were canceled, stranding or delaying millions of passengers across airports from North America to Asia. It was the worst air time travel disruption in history, a nearly week long halt in flights that cost airlines hundreds of millions of dollars.

Volcanoes in Iceland

Preparing for a Volcano Visit this site for safety tips before, during, and after a volcano. Visit this site for safety tips before, during, and after a volcano. Weather Wiz Kids: Volcano Safety Weather Wiz Kids: Volcano Safety

The Hazard: Floods Floods result from heavy rains. Floods result from heavy rains. They may involve rivers overflowing, storm surge/ocean waves, & dams or levees breaking. They may involve rivers overflowing, storm surge/ocean waves, & dams or levees breaking. Floods are the most common natural hazard. Floods are the most common natural hazard. Flashfloods are floods that happen very fast. Flashfloods are floods that happen very fast. Related websites: Related websites: PBS: In Focus – Floods!Colorado Flooding Info. PBS: In Focus – Floods!Colorado Flooding Info. How TVA Stops FloodsHow TVA Stops Floods Weather Wiz Kids: Floods Weather Wiz Kids: Floods How TVA Stops FloodsWeather Wiz Kids: Floods Nova – Hot Science: The River’s Gift Nova – Hot Science: The River’s Gift

Colorado Floods (2013)

The 2013 Colorado floods were a natural disaster that occurred in the state of Colorado. During the week starting on September 9, 2013, a slow-moving cold front stalled over Colorado, clashing with warm humid air from the south. This resulted in heavy rain and catastrophic flooding in Colorado. The situation intensified on September 11 th and 12 th. Boulder County was worst hit, with 9 inches recorded September 12 th and up to 17 inches of rain recorded by September 15 th, which is comparable to Boulder County's average annual precipitation for a whole year (20.7 inches)! The flood waters spread across a range of almost 200 miles from north to south, affecting 17 counties. At least 10 deaths were reported by the Colorado Office of Emergency Management. More than 11,000 people were evacuated. At least 1,750 people and 300 pets were rescued by air and ground. Nearly 19,000 homes were damaged, and over 1,800 were destroyed. The Colorado Department of Transportation estimates that at least 30 state highway bridges were destroyed and an additional 20 are seriously damaged, with repairs for damaged bridges and roads expected to cost many millions of dollars. Miles of freight and passenger rail lines were also washed out or submerged. The damage is estimated at over $2 billion. The Disaster: Colorado Floods (2013)

Effects of the Colorado Floods (2013)

Flood Preparations Visit this site to learn more about floods, and scroll down to discover important flood safety tips. Visit this site to learn more about floods, and scroll down to discover important flood safety tips. Weather Wiz Kids – Rain and Floods Weather Wiz Kids – Rain and Floods

The Hazard: Tsunamis Tsunamis form as a result of earthquakes, volcanoes, or landsides under the ocean. Tsunamis form as a result of earthquakes, volcanoes, or landsides under the ocean. Waves grow taller as they reach the coast. Waves grow taller as they reach the coast. Four out of five tsunamis occur in the Ring of Fire. Four out of five tsunamis occur in the Ring of Fire. Over 200,000 people were killed in the 12/26/04 Indian Ocean tsunami. Over 200,000 people were killed in the 12/26/04 Indian Ocean tsunami. Related Websites: Related Websites: Discovery Kids: Tsunami Discovery Kids: Tsunami Pacific Tsunami Museum – Student Corner Pacific Tsunami Museum – Student Corner PBS – Savage Earth: Tsunamis PBS – Savage Earth: Tsunamis Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes (scroll down to tsunami) Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes

About 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur in The Ring of Fire. Earthquakes & The Ring of Fire (Earthquakes can cause Tsunamis)

High Risk Areas for Tsunamis

The Disaster: Indian Ocean Tsunami of 12/26/04

The December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by an earthquake that is thought to have had the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. The December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by an earthquake that is thought to have had the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. The epicenter of the 9.0 magnitude quake was under the Indian Ocean near the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The epicenter of the 9.0 magnitude quake was under the Indian Ocean near the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The violent movement of sections of the Earth’s crusts known as tectonic plates displaced an enormous amount of water, sending powerful shock waves in every direction. The tectonic plates in this area had been pushing against each other, building pressure for thousands of years – they continue to do so and will likely cause underwater earthquakes and tsunamis in the future. The violent movement of sections of the Earth’s crusts known as tectonic plates displaced an enormous amount of water, sending powerful shock waves in every direction. The tectonic plates in this area had been pushing against each other, building pressure for thousands of years – they continue to do so and will likely cause underwater earthquakes and tsunamis in the future. Within hours of the earthquake, killer waves radiating from the epicenter slammed into the coastline of 11 Indian Ocean countries, damaging countries from east Africa to Thailand. A tsunami is a series of waves, and the first wave may not be the most dangerous. A tsunami “wave train” may come as surges five minutes to an hour apart. The cycle may be marked by the repeated retreat and advance of the ocean. Within hours of the earthquake, killer waves radiating from the epicenter slammed into the coastline of 11 Indian Ocean countries, damaging countries from east Africa to Thailand. A tsunami is a series of waves, and the first wave may not be the most dangerous. A tsunami “wave train” may come as surges five minutes to an hour apart. The cycle may be marked by the repeated retreat and advance of the ocean. The Indian Ocean tsunami traveled as far as 3,000 miles to Africa and still arrived with sufficient force to kill people and destroy property. The Indian Ocean tsunami traveled as far as 3,000 miles to Africa and still arrived with sufficient force to kill people and destroy property. The earthquake-induced tsunami resulted in at least 155,000 fatalities, 500,000 injuries, and damages that exceeded $10 billion. Also, it is estimated that 5 million people lost their homes or access to food and water. The earthquake-induced tsunami resulted in at least 155,000 fatalities, 500,000 injuries, and damages that exceeded $10 billion. Also, it is estimated that 5 million people lost their homes or access to food and water. The Disaster: Indian Ocean Tsunami of 12/26/04

Effects of Tsunamis Indian Ocean Tsunami: December 26, 2005

Tsunami Preparedness Visit this website for important tips for surviving a tsunami. Visit this website for important tips for surviving a tsunami. Weather Wiz Kids: Tsunami Safety Weather Wiz Kids: Tsunami Safety

The Hazard: Winter Storms Winter storms may include snow, ice storms, sleet, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures. Winter storms may include snow, ice storms, sleet, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures. Most deaths from winter storms occur in automobiles. Most deaths from winter storms occur in automobiles. Storms may cause widespread power outages. Storms may cause widespread power outages. Related Websites: Related Websites: Weather Wiz Kids: Winter Storms Weather Wiz Kids: Winter Storms Blizzards & Winter Weather Blizzards & Winter Weather Scholastic – Winter Storms Scholastic – Winter Storms Kids Connect: Blizzard Kids Connect: Blizzard

The Disaster: Winter Super Storm of 1993

Described as one of the largest and most intense storms in a century, the March, 1993 blizzard paralyzed the eastern seaboard with record cold, snow, and wind. High wind, well in excess of hurricane force, smashed the gulf coast, Appalachians, and eastern seaboard. As heavy snow continued to cripple the deep south, Tennessee and Ohio valleys, as well as the Appalachians, a tornado outbreak developed and devastated parts of Florida. An estimated twenty seven damaging tornadoes touched down across the state killing four people and injuring many others. The tornadoes, in conjunction with damaging winds, inflicted millions of dollars in property damage. In fact, this storm turned out to be one of the costliest non-tropical storms in Florida's history. Snow began over upstate New York and New England. Light snow steadily increased in intensity as the blizzard strengthened and raced through the Mid Atlantic states. Blizzard conditions pounded the Eastern U.S. Just like a summertime thundershower that produces very heavy rain, the thunder snows produced snowfall rates of two to four inches per hour. Snowflakes the size of a person's fist were reported for a time with the passage of one of the thunder snow bands at Bridgeport, CT. The combination of extremely heavy snow and high wind produced widespread white- out conditions (zero visibility) along with very rapid snow accumulations. As a result, New York and the six New England States all declared disaster emergencies during the height of the storm. All major highways were closed. Secondary roads for all intents and purposes were left completely impassable. At the peak of the storm, every major airport along the eastern seaboard closed, causing colossal problems for air travelers. Snow piled up to record levels for many cities in the Northeast. Albany, NY measured 26.6 inches of new snow, the second greatest snowfall from a single storm since records have been kept. Syracuse, NY broke five snowfall records as a result of the blizzard. The incredible breakdown is as follows: 35.6 inches of snow in twenty four hours (10am Saturday - 10am Sunday.) 35.6 inches of snow in twenty four hours (10am Saturday - 10am Sunday.) 22.1 inches of snow on Saturday, March 13 th 22.1 inches of snow on Saturday, March 13 th 19.9 inches of snow on Sunday, March 14 th 19.9 inches of snow on Sunday, March 14 th Overall, the 1993 storm claimed a total 310 lives and caused over 6 billion dollars worth of damage. The Disaster: Super Storm of 1993

Winter Super Storm of 1993

Winter Storm Preparations Visit these sites for tips on how to prepare for a winter storm. Visit these sites for tips on how to prepare for a winter storm. Winter Storm: Safety Winter Storm: Safety

The Hazard: Wildfires Wildfires occur in forests, grasslands, and wooded areas. Wildfires occur in forests, grasslands, and wooded areas. The most common causes are lightning & human accidents. The most common causes are lightning & human accidents. They burn more than 4 million acres in the U.S. each year. They burn more than 4 million acres in the U.S. each year. Related Websites: Related Websites: Smokey Bear: Kids Smokey Bear: Kids National Geographic: Wildfires National Geographic: Wildfires Wildfire Facts Wildfire Facts Weather Wiz Kids: Wild Fires Weather Wiz Kids: Wild Fires

“Black Saturday” in Australia (2009) 8 th deadliest fire in the world, with 173 deaths. 1,100,000 acres were burnt. There was $4.4 billion in damage.

The Black Saturday Bushfires is the name given to the bushfires which started on February 7, 2009 in Victoria, Australia The weather conditions on the day were some of the worst bushfire weather conditions ever recorded. Temperatures reached 46 degrees celsius (114 degrees fehrenheit), with winds in excess of 100 km per hour (60 mph). Leading up to the disastrous conditions was 2 months of extremely low rainfall and hot dry conditions. Approximately 400 fires started during the day of the Black Saturday Bushfires, and there were winds in excess of 120 km per hour. These winds turned the long flanks of the Black Saturday Bushfires into large fire fronts. The Black Saturday Bushfires killed 173 people, injured 414 people, destroyed 2,100 homes and displaced 7,562 people. 120 people were killed by a single fire in the Kinglake Area alone. It is estimated the energy released by the Black Saturday Bushfires, was the equivalent of 1,500 Hiroshima atomic bombs. In total 1,100,000 acres where burnt. On the morning of 7th of February, 3,582 firefighters were put on standby for the predicted weather conditions, with over 5,000 firefighters in total used to fight the fires. These firefighters came from over Australia, New Zealand and the United States. 1 Australian firefighter was killed when a burnt out tree fell on him. The Disaster: “Black Saturday” in Australia (2009) The Disaster: “Black Saturday” in Australia (2009)

The Disaster: “Black Saturday” in Australia (2009)

“Black Saturday” in Australia (2009)

Preparing for Wildfires Visit this site to learn important tips for protecting your family and home during a wildfire. Visit this site to learn important tips for protecting your family and home during a wildfire. Wildfires: Are You Prepared? Wildfires: Are You Prepared?