Natural Disaster Meaning, Causes and List Explained
Natural disaster or natural hazard is a disruptive event or process caused by factors that directly influence the conditions of the natural ecosystem. This article discusses natural disaster meaning, causes and list, as outlined below;
-Natural Disaster Meaning: 4 Ways to Define Natural Disasters
Natural Disaster Meaning: 4 Ways to Define Natural Disasters
Natural disaster is any event or occurrence resulting mainly from natural causes and factors, which has significant and negative effects on the ecosystem.
The above definition highlights a key factor in the concept of natural disasters; which is the fact that they mostly result from natural causes. Below is another natural disaster meaning that mentions some of these causes of natural disasters;
Natural disaster is any occurrence that is caused mainly by natural factors like tectonic movement, wind energy, solar radiation, soil and water dynamics; which tends to have major, hazardous effects on the environment and living populace.
It is however important to note that natural hazards are not always or solely caused by natural factors. They may also occur as the environmental impacts of human activities like extraction and consumption of raw materials and energy resources in industry, agriculture and transport.
Some effects of natural disasters are mentioned in the natural disaster meaning below;
A natural disaster is any event that affects the natural environment adversely, resulting in effects like degradation, habitat destruction, loss of life and property [1].
Lastly, some examples of natural disasters are mentioned in the natural disaster meaning below;
Natural disaster refers to occurrences such as flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, landslide, subsidence, and severe erosion; which have adverse effects on the environment [2].
Causes of Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are caused by natural and anthropogenic stressors which create imbalances in the physicochemical conditions of the ecosystem and affect sustainability.
Causes of natural disasters are;
1). Wind Energy
2). Solar Radiation
3). Water Dynamics
4). Soil Lithologic Conditions
5). Unstable Topography
6). Mining and Exploration
7). Construction Activities
8). Energy Conversion and Consumption
9). Tectonic Movement
List of Natural Disasters
A comprehensive list of natural disasters will include the following;
1). Drought
2). Wildfire
3). Heatwave
4). Blizzard
5). Flooding
6). Volcanic Eruption
7). Windstorm
8). Rainstorm
9). Hurricane
10). Tornado
11). Mudslide
12). Avalanche
13). Tsunami
14). Debris Flow
15). Earthquake
Conclusion
Natural disaster is any significant, adverse event that affects the natural ecosystem in a disruptive manner.
Causes of natural disasters are; wind, solar radiation, water dynamics, soil conditions, unstable topography, mining/exploration, construction activities, energy conversion/consumption, and tectonic movement.
The list of natural disasters includes; drought, wildfire, heatwave, flooding, blizzard, volcanic eruption, windstorm, rainstorm, hurricane, tornado, mudslide, avalanche, debris flow and earthquake.
References
1). Bisht, A.; Kamboj, N.; Bisht, A.; Kamboj, V.; Pandey, N. (2020). “Role of natural disasters in environmental degradation: An overview.” Environmental Degradation: Causes and Remediation Strategies (pp.21-35). Available at: https://doi.org/10.26832/aesa-2020-edcrs-02. (Accessed 21 November 2022).
2). Marfai, M. A.; King, L.; Singh, L. P.; Mardiatno, D.; Junun, S.; Hadmoko, D. S.; Dewi, A. (2008). “Natural hazards in Central Java Province, Indonesia: An overview.” Environmental Earth Sciences 56(2):335-351. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-007-1169-9. (Accessed 21 November 2022).
