Lesson-14

Natural Disasters

To be done in the copy

A. Answer the following.

1. What are natural disasters? How are they caused?

Ans1.Natural disasters are events caused by the forces of nature that often adversely affect the human
life and environment. Movements within the earth are responsible for causing them.

2. What causes an earthquake?

Ans2. The outermost layer of earth, known as the crust is made of rocks. These rocks are in the form of
large plates which keep on moving continuously and slowly past each other. Sometimes this plates
moves apart, bump (overlaps) into each other, or slide under each other with a lot of force. The crust
then breaks and release energy in the form of vibrations. These vibrations are felt as an earthquake or
tremors by us.

3. What is the impact of earthquakes on life and property?

Ans3.The vibrations are tremors produced by earthquakes usually lead to destruction of structures like
building, bridges, roads and even dams. Many people also die because of collapse of buildings,
destruction of roads, etc. Earthquake can and also trigger landslides or generate tsunami (when they
occur under the ocean).

4. What is a volcano?

Ans4.A volcano is a crack or opening in the earth's crust through which hot gases and molten rock comes
out of the earth.

5. What is the difference between magma and lava?

Ans5.Molten rocks and minerals present inside the earth are called magma. When this magma comes
out on the earth surface through volcanic eruptions, it is known as lava.

6. Explain the different types of volcanoes.

Ans6.volcanoes can be divided into three types based on their nature. These types are-active, dormant
and extinct.

Active volcanoes:The volcano that erupted regularly are known as active volcanoes.
Dormant volcanoes:Dormant volcanoes are the ones that have erupted long ago in the past but are now
quite and may erupt in the future.

Extinct volcanoes:The volcanoes that have stopped erupting are called extinct volcanoes. These are
unlikely to erupt again.

7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of volcanoes?

Ans7. Volcanoes can be one of the most destructive natural disasters, causing damage to property and
life. Poisonous gases and dust released from a volcanic eruption can cause severe respiratory problems
and even kill people. Volcanic eruptions have been known to knock down entire forest. An active
volcano can trigger tsunami, earthquake, avalanches and rock falls.

volcanoes have many advantages too. The soil formed from the volcanic rock is rich in minerals like
potassium and therefore, is very fertile. This is the reason why millions of people live close to volcanoes.
Besides, volcanoes are also great tourist attraction.

8. Explain what is a tsunami.

Ans8.A tsunami is a series of huge waves caused by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake or
volcanic eruption. Tsunami has incredible energy because of the great volume of water which it carries
along.

9. How does tsunami cause destruction?

Ans9.A tsunami brings waves of destruction which are capable of killing thousands of residents along the
coast. When a tsunami strikes populated coastlines, it destroys the entire town or village.

10. Natural disasters not only cause destruction of live and homes but they shatter human emotions and
strength too. Discuss.

Ans10. During natural disaster many families lose their family members and due to this great loss, they
came across with mental trauma which makes them emotionally weak.

To be done in the book.

B. Fill in the blanks.

1. Time; place

2. Landslides; tsunami

3. Volcanic

4. Tsunami; coasts
5. Magma; lava; gases

6. Active

C. state whether the following statements are true or false.If false correct the statement.

1. True

2. False.The lava cools down slower and slower over time.

3. True

4. False.The soil formed from the volcanic rock is rich in minerals and therefore, is very fertile.

D. Tick the correct answers.

1.(a) aftershocks

2.(b) dormant volcanoes

3.(c) floods

4.(b) potassium