Natural Disasters: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation
This Grade 12 science worksheet explores the causes, environmental and societal impacts, and mitigation strategies for various natural disasters.
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Natural Disasters: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation
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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful, accurate answers. For multiple-choice questions, select the best option. For short answer and essay questions, use complete sentences and provide details to support your responses.
1. Which of the following natural disasters is primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates?
Hurricane
Tornado
Earthquake
Drought
2. What is the primary factor that contributes to the formation of a hurricane?
Cold ocean currents
Warm ocean waters and moist air
High atmospheric pressure
Desertification
1. Tsunamis are always caused by underwater earthquakes.
True
False
2. Climate change is expected to decrease the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
True
False
1. The Richter scale is used to measure the magnitude of an .
2. A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water, is known as a .
3. The area where an earthquake originates underground is called the .
1. Describe two environmental impacts of large-scale wildfires.
2. Explain the difference between weather and climate, and how changes in climate can influence the occurrence of natural disasters.
Match each natural disaster with its primary cause.
1. Volcano
a. Rapid sea-level rise
2. Tsunami
b. Magma reaching the Earth's surface
3. Flood
c. Intense atmospheric low pressure
4. Hurricane
d. Excessive rainfall or snowmelt
Consider the image of the F5 tornado below.
1. Based on your understanding of tornadoes, describe the atmospheric conditions that are necessary for the formation of a tornado of this magnitude. What are some of the immediate and long-term impacts of such a powerful tornado on a community and its environment?