Natural Disasters Worksheet

Natural Disasters: Understanding Our Planet's Power

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Some questions may require you to refer to the provided diagrams.

1. Which natural disaster is caused by the sudden shifting of tectonic plates?

2. What is the primary cause of a tsunami?

3. A   is a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.

4. The point on the Earth's surface directly above an earthquake's origin is called the  .

5. Hurricanes typically form over cold ocean waters.

6. A shield volcano has steep sides and explosive eruptions.

7. Describe two ways an earthquake can cause damage to human structures.

8. Explain how a tsunami forms and travels across the ocean.

Match each natural disaster with its characteristic.