Question 1

What is a natural disaster?

Accepted Answer

A natural disaster is an event caused by nature that can harm people and places. Examples include earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods.

Question 2

Why do earthquakes happen?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes happen because the giant plates under the Earth's surface move and sometimes crash into each other. This makes the ground shake.

Question 3

What causes a tornado?

Accepted Answer

Tornadoes happen when warm, moist air meets cool, dry air. They create spinning columns of air that can get very strong and fast.

Question 4

How do volcanoes erupt?

Accepted Answer

Volcanoes erupt when hot, melted rock called magma rises up from inside the Earth. The pressure builds until it bursts out through the surface.

Question 5

What is a flood?

Accepted Answer

A flood is when there is too much water, usually from heavy rain, and it covers land that is normally dry. Floods can happen quickly or slowly.

Question 6

Why do hurricanes happen?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes form over the ocean when warm, moist air rises and cools, causing clouds and wind. As the wind speeds up, it creates a powerful storm.

Question 7

What is a tsunami?

Accepted Answer

A tsunami is a big ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcano. It can travel very fast and can be very dangerous when it hits land.

Question 8

How do wildfires start?

Accepted Answer

Wildfires can start from lightning strikes or people accidentally causing small fires that get out of control. They spread quickly when it's dry and windy.

Question 9

What is an avalanche?

Accepted Answer

An avalanche is when a whole lot of snow suddenly falls down a mountain. They can happen if the snow builds up too much or if it's disturbed.

Question 10

How can we prepare for natural disasters?

Accepted Answer

We can prepare by having a plan, such as knowing where to go and what to do if a disaster happens. It's also good to have emergency supplies ready.

Question 11

What should be in an emergency kit?

Accepted Answer

An emergency kit should have things like water, food, a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit. These supplies can help you during a disaster.

Question 12

Why is it important to have an evacuation plan?

Accepted Answer

An evacuation plan helps you know where to go and what to do if you need to leave your home quickly. It keeps you and your family safe.

Question 13

How do weather forecasters predict storms?

Accepted Answer

Weather forecasters use special tools and satellites to watch changes in the weather. They can see when storms are forming and where they might go.

Question 14

Can animals sense natural disasters?

Accepted Answer

Some animals seem to know when a natural disaster is going to happen. They might act differently or try to move away right before it occurs.

Question 15

What makes a place more likely to flood?

Accepted Answer

Places that are low, near rivers, or have a lot of rain are more likely to flood. Building and paving over land can also make it easier for water to collect.

Question 16

Why does the ground shake during an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

The ground shakes because the plates beneath it are moving and bumping together. This causes waves that travel through the Earth and shake everything.

Question 17

What is the safest place to be during a tornado?

Accepted Answer

The safest place during a tornado is in a basement or a small, windowless room on the lowest floor. You should stay away from windows and cover yourself.

Question 18

How are firefighters important to natural disasters?

Accepted Answer

Firefighters help put out fires and rescue people during disasters like wildfires and floods. They work hard to keep everyone safe.

Question 19

What should you do if there's a tsunami warning?

Accepted Answer

If there's a tsunami warning, it's important to move to higher ground right away. Tsunamis can come very quickly, so it's good to act fast.

Question 20

How do engineers make buildings safer during earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Engineers design buildings to be strong and flexible so they won't break easily during an earthquake. This can help protect the people inside.

The Science of Natural Disasters: Causes and Preparedness - 20 FAQs Explained Simply