Question 1

What is a natural disaster?

Accepted Answer

A natural disaster is a big event caused by nature that can hurt or change the land, like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods. These events can happen suddenly and can affect people and animals.

Question 2

What causes earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes happen when the ground shakes because big pieces of the earth, called tectonic plates, move and bump into each other. This movement releases energy, which makes the ground shake.

Question 3

How do hurricanes form?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes form over warm ocean water when hot air from the ocean rises and mixes with colder air. This causes strong winds and heavy rain that spin around in a circle.

Question 4

Why do floods happen?

Accepted Answer

Floods happen when too much water covers the land because of heavy rain, rivers overflowing, or melting snow. The water doesn’t have anywhere to go and can cover the ground quickly.

Question 5

What is a tornado?

Accepted Answer

A tornado is a spinning funnel of wind that stretches from a storm cloud to the ground. It can move very fast and cause lots of damage.

Question 6

How do volcanoes erupt?

Accepted Answer

Volcanoes erupt when hot melted rock called magma rises up from inside the Earth and bursts through the surface. This can cause lava, ash, and gas to shoot into the air.

Question 7

What happens during a tsunami?

Accepted Answer

A tsunami is a giant sea wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcano. It can travel very fast and flood the land when it reaches the shore.

Question 8

Why are natural disasters dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters can be dangerous because they can destroy homes and buildings, hurt people and animals, and change the land. They often happen quickly, so people might not have time to prepare.

Question 9

Can we predict natural disasters?

Accepted Answer

Scientists can sometimes predict natural disasters like hurricanes or floods by using special tools and watching weather patterns. However, some disasters like earthquakes are much harder to predict.

Question 10

How do people prepare for natural disasters?

Accepted Answer

People prepare for natural disasters by making emergency plans, packing kits with food and water, and listening to warnings from experts. This helps them stay safe if a disaster happens.

Question 11

Why do wildfires happen?

Accepted Answer

Wildfires are large fires in forests or grasslands, often started by lightning or human activity. They spread quickly, especially during hot, dry weather.

Question 12

What is a drought?

Accepted Answer

A drought happens when there is very little rain for a long time, making the land dry and water sources low. This can make it hard for plants, animals, and people to find water.

Question 13

How can landslides occur?

Accepted Answer

Landslides happen when rocks and soil slide down a hill or mountain. They can occur after heavy rain or earthquakes when the ground becomes unstable.

Question 14

What should you do during an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

During an earthquake, you should drop down, cover your head, and hold on tight to something sturdy. Stay away from windows and things that could fall.

Question 15

What are the effects of a natural disaster?

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters can cause damage to buildings and roads, harm animals and plants, and make it hard for people to access clean water and electricity. They also can lead to emergency rescues and lots of cleanup work.

Question 16

What is a blizzard?

Accepted Answer

A blizzard is a big snowstorm with strong winds and lots of snow. It can make it very cold and hard to see or travel outside.

Question 17

Why do we study natural disasters?

Accepted Answer

We study natural disasters to understand how they happen and find ways to stay safe. Learning about them helps scientists predict future events and improve safety plans.

Question 18

Can animals sense natural disasters before humans?

Accepted Answer

Some people believe animals might sense natural disasters before they happen, as they sometimes act strangely before an event like an earthquake. Scientists are still studying how animals react to these events.

Question 19

What is the difference between a cyclone and a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

Cyclones and hurricanes are the same type of storm, but they have different names depending on where they happen. Cyclones are in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, while hurricanes are in the Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific.

Question 20

How do people help after a natural disaster?

Accepted Answer

After a natural disaster, people help by rescuing those in danger, providing food and water, and rebuilding homes and communities. Volunteers and emergency workers do a lot of this important work.

The Marvels of Natural Disasters: Causes and Effects - 20 FAQs Explained Simply