How do Natural Hazards change the Earth's Surface?

Introduction to Natural Disasters

Have you ever seen news about big storms or earthquakes on TV, and wondered what impact they have on Earth? These are called natural disasters; big events in nature that can cause a lot of trouble for people and animals. Today, we're going to learn all about different types of natural disasters, like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and wildfires, and see what effects they have on our Earth, animals and people like us!

What are Natural Disasters?

Natural disasters can hurt the environment, destroy homes and make it hard for animals and people to live. Let's look at some types of natural disasters before we dive into the impact each one has on Earth and the environment.

Let's check your understanding so far!

Impact on Earth

Natural disasters can change the Earth in many ways. Let's explore how each type of disaster affects our planet.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are strong storms that start over warm ocean waters. They can have very strong winds, lots of rain and big waves called storm surges. These storms can change the shape of coastlines by washing away soil and dropping new soil in other places. They can knock down lots of trees and cause big floods. These floods can cover land with water, which can damage the places where people and animals live.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are strong, spinning columns of air that start under thunderstorms and reach down to the ground. They can destroy strong buildings, pull trees out of the ground and throw things around. After a tornado, the ground might look like it has been scrubbed clean—dirt is gone and small plants are ripped out. This change can cause more water to run off the ground and more soil to wash away.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes happen when energy suddenly escapes from deep inside the Earth, causing the ground to shake. These shakes can crack the ground, start landslides, or change how and where rivers flow. This can quickly change the shape of the land. Big earthquakes can permanently change the Earth's surface by lifting the ground up, making new cliffs and creating new lakes or ponds.

Floods

Floods can happen because of long-lasting rain, big waves from storms, or rivers that overflow. They can wash away the rich top layer of soil, drop dirt and rubbish over large areas and harm farmlands, which can destroy crops. If water covers an area for a long time, it can damage the bases of buildings and houses and leave mud everywhere.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are big ocean waves usually caused by earthquakes under the sea. They hit coastal areas hard. These waves can destroy whole beach environments, wipe out towns and change coastlines by washing away and dropping new sand. The water's power can move a lot of sand, change the shape of the coast and push boats and rubbish far onto land.

Wildfires

Wildfires burn up large areas of forests, grasslands and other places, helped by wind and dry weather. Right away, they clear out plants, which can cause the soil to wash away and make it a worse place for animals to live. Later on, the ash from the burned plants can make the soil better. However, without the tree cover, the land can get much hotter or colder and lose moisture more quickly.

Impact on Animals and Humans

Not only do natural disasters affect and change the landscape of Earth, but they also impact animals and humans too. Let’s explore the impact of each natural disaster on animals and humans.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes cause widespread devastation not only through strong winds but also through flooding and storm surges. They can leave people homeless as houses are destroyed or severely damaged, forcing residents to seek emergency shelter or relocate permanently. Wildlife such as birds, marine life and coastal animals can suffer from habitat destruction, injury, or death. Furthermore, the disruption to infrastructure can cut off access to essential resources like food and clean water, complicating survival and recovery efforts for affected communities.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes have a swift and focused path of destruction which can demolish homes and businesses in seconds. Human injuries and fatalities often result from flying debris and collapsing structures. For animals, especially pets and wildlife in the tornado's path, the loss of habitat can be immediate and disorienting. Additionally, power outages, or loss of power, can last for days or weeks, impacting water treatment and supply systems, healthcare services and food storage, which makes emergency and recovery efforts more challenging.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes shake the ground with force, causing buildings to collapse and trapping people underneath rubble, which can lead to significant casualties and severe injuries. The sudden change in the environment can also terrify and displace animals, disrupting migratory patterns and habitat structures. Infrastructure such as water pipes and roads may also be damaged, causing water supply contamination and impeding rescue and recovery operations.

Floods

Floods are when water levels rise slowly, sometimes trapping people in their homes or on roofs. The floodwaters can be contaminated with sewage and chemicals, posing severe health risks such as waterborne diseases. Animals, both wild and domestic, can drown or be swept away by strong currents, while those that survive often face destroyed habitats and a lack of food and clean water.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis, triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, can erase the very existence of coastal communities, leaving survivors without shelter and resources. The immense volumes of water can crush buildings, drown humans and animals and devastate marine ecosystems, which can take years to recover. The displacement of populations and the destruction of infrastructure pose long-term challenges to the affected areas.

Wildfires

Wildfires ravage through forests and residential areas with equal ferocity, destroying homes and causing residents to evacuate, sometimes with little notice. The smoke from wildfires can reduce air quality, leading to respiratory issues in both humans and animals. Wild animals may escape the flames only to find their food sources reduced or eliminated, while domestic animals may become lost or perish.

Natural Disasters Experiment

We can do an experiment to see what a tornado looks like!

Effects of Natural Disasters Quiz

Effects of Natural Disasters – Summary

Now that you know about these powerful natural events, you can better understand the forces that shape our world. Keep exploring the wonders of Earth with learning texts such as volcanic explosions and earthquakes.

Effects of Natural Disasters –Frequently Asked Questions