NATURAL HAZARDS /DISASTERS

A  tornado is a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with both the

surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of
a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as twisters or cyclones,  although
[1]

the word cyclone is used in meteorology, in a wider sense, to name any

closed low pressure circulation. Tornadoes come in many shapes and sizes, but
they are typically in the form of a visible condensation funnel, whose narrow end
touches the earth and is often encircled by a cloud of debris and dust. Most
tornadoes have wind speeds less than 110 miles per hour (177 km/h), are about
250 feet (76 m) across, and travel a few miles (several kilometers) before
dissipating. The most extreme tornadoes can attain wind speeds of more than
300 miles per hour (483 km/h), stretch more than two miles (3.2 km) across,
and stay on the ground for dozens of miles (more than 100 km)

Cumulonimbus, from the Latin cumulus ("heap") and nimbus ("rainstorm",

"storm cloud"), is a dense towering vertical cloud associated
with thunderstorms and atmospheric instability, forming from water vapor
carried by powerful upward air currents These clouds are capable of
producing lightning and other dangerous severe weather, such as gusts, hail,
and occasional tornadoes. 

NATURAL HAZARDS /DISASTERS

A  tornado is a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with both the
surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of
a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as twisters or cyclones,  although
[1]

the word cyclone is used in meteorology, in a wider sense, to name any

closed low pressure circulation. Tornadoes come in many shapes and sizes, but
they are typically in the form of a visible condensation funnel, whose narrow end
touches the earth and is often encircled by a cloud of debris and dust. Most
tornadoes have wind speeds less than 110 miles per hour (177 km/h), are about
250 feet (76 m) across, and travel a few miles (several kilometers) before
dissipating. The most extreme tornadoes can attain wind speeds of more than
300 miles per hour (483 km/h), stretch more than two miles (3.2 km) across,
and stay on the ground for dozens of miles (more than 100 km)

Cumulonimbus, from the Latin cumulus ("heap") and nimbus ("rainstorm",

"storm cloud"), is a dense towering vertical cloud associated
with thunderstorms and atmospheric instability, forming from water vapor
carried by powerful upward air currents These clouds are capable of
producing lightning and other dangerous severe weather, such as gusts, hail,
and occasional tornadoes. 

WILDFIRE / FOREST FIRES

A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation that
occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area.  Other names such as brush
[1]

fire, bush fire, forest fire, desert fire, grass fire, hill fire, peat

fire, vegetation fire, and veld fire may be used to describe the same
phenomenon depending on the type of vegetation being burned, and the
regional variant of English being used. A wildfire differs from other fires by its
extensive size, the speed at which it can spread out from its original source, its
potential to change direction unexpectedly, and its ability to jump gaps such as
roads, rivers and fire breaks.  Wildfires are characterized in terms of the cause
[2]

of ignition, their physical properties such as speed of propagation, the

combustible material present, and the effect of weather on the fire. [3]

Wildfires are a common occurrence in Australia; because of the generally hot

and dry climate, they pose a great risk to life and infrastructure during all times
of the year, though mostly throughout the hotter months of summer and spring.
 In the United States, there are typically between 60,000 and 80,000 wildfires
[4]

that occur each year, burning 3 million to 10 million acres of land depending on
the year.  Fossil records and human history contain accounts of wildfires, as
[5]

wildfires can occur in periodic intervals.  Wildfires can cause extensive

[6][7]

damage, both to property and human life, but they also have various beneficial
effects on wilderness areas. Some plant species depend on the effects of fire
for growth and reproduction,  although large wildfires may also have negative
[6]

ecological effects.

WILDFIRE / FOREST FIRES

A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation that
occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area.  Other names such as brush
[1]

fire, bush fire, forest fire, desert fire, grass fire, hill fire, peat

fire, vegetation fire, and veld fire may be used to describe the same
phenomenon depending on the type of vegetation being burned, and the
regional variant of English being used. A wildfire differs from other fires by its
extensive size, the speed at which it can spread out from its original source, its
potential to change direction unexpectedly, and its ability to jump gaps such as
roads, rivers and fire breaks.  Wildfires are characterized in terms of the cause
[2]

of ignition, their physical properties such as speed of propagation, the

combustible material present, and the effect of weather on the fire.
Wildfires are a common occurrence in Australia; because of the generally hot
and dry climate, they pose a great risk to life and infrastructure during all times
of the year, though mostly throughout the hotter months of summer and spring.
 In the United States, there are typically between 60,000 and 80,000 wildfires
[4]

that occur each year, burning 3 million to 10 million acres of land depending on
the year.  Fossil records and human history contain accounts of wildfires, as
[5]

wildfires can occur in periodic intervals.  Wildfires can cause extensive

[6][7]

damage, both to property and human life, but they also have various beneficial
effects on wilderness areas. Some plant species depend on the effects of fire
for growth and reproduction,  although large wildfires may also have negative
[6]

ecological effects.
http://eschooltoday.com/pollution/air-pollution/
what-is-air-pollution.html

What is air pollution?

Air pollution (say: po-loo-shun) occurs when gases, dust particles,
fumes (or smoke) or odour are introduced into the atmosphere in a
way that makes it harmful to humans, animals and plant. This is because
the air becomes dirty (contaminated or unclean). 

The Earth is surrounded by a blanket of air (made up of various gases) called

the atmosphere. The atmosphere helps protect the Earth and allow life to exist.
Without it, we would be burned by the intense heat of the sun during the day or
frozen by the very low temperatures at night.
Any additional gas, particles or odours that are introduced into the air (either
by nature or human activity) to distort this natural balance and cause harm to
living things can be called air pollution.

Things that pollute the air are called pollutants. Examples of pollutants include

nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides, hydrocarbons, sulphur oxides (usually from
factories), sand or dust particles, and organic compounds that can evaporate
and enter the atmosphere.

There are two types of pollutants:

Primary pollutants are those gases or particles that are pumped into the air
to make it unclean. They include carbon monoxide from automobile (cars)
exhausts and sulfur dioxide from the combustion of coal.

Secondary pollutants: When pollutants in the air mix up in a chemical

reaction, they form an even more dangerous chemical. Photochemical smog is
an example of this, and is a secondary pollutant.

What is Deforestation?

Deforestation refers to the cutting, clearing, and removal of rainforest or related

ecosystems into less bio-diverse ecosystems such as pasture, cropland, or
plantations (Kricher, 1997). 
What are the causes of deforestation?

I.   Logging

II.  Mining

III. Oil and gas extraction

IV. Cattle ranching

V.  Agriculture: Cash crops

VI. Local, National, and International factors: development, land titles,

government subsidies to attract corporations into developing countries, trade
agreements (NAFTA, CAFTA), civil wars, debt, lack of resources, and lack of
law enforcement.

What are the consequences of deforestation?

Environmental:

1. Extinctions (loss of biodiversity of microbes (bacteria), plants, insects,

animals, indigenous peoples, etc. 
2. Habitat fragmentation.  This disturbs the animals' habitat and may force
them to enter habitats which are already occupied.  This can pose many
problems such as territorial conflicts, homelessness (loss of habitat), lack
of food availability, migration disturbances, etc.
3. Soil erosion occurs when trees and plants are removed; the rain water
washes the nutrients in the top soil away. 
4. Changes in watershed geomorphology.
5. Desertification (dry, hot, arid conditions).
6. Edge effects can change microclimates (small climates) which
affect endemic species (native species which can only live in specific
environmental and habitat conditions).
7. Climate change (more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere,
thus increasing the effects of global warming).
8. Pollution (ground, water and air pollution from oil extraction and mining
chemicals).

Social impacts:

1. Loss of culture (indigenous peoples subsistence living in the rainforest). 

People who live in the rainforest depend on the natural environment for
food, shelter, materials for cooking, clothing, etc.  If the forest is cut down
or if their environment becomes polluted from oil extraction and mining,
they are forced to move or risk starvation and sickness.   
2. Displacement of people (loss of farmland, forest resources, etc).
3. Social conflicts and struggles over land and natural resources.
4. Poisoning from oil and mining waste.
 5. Economic uncertainty (price fluctuations and high interest rates on
outstanding international loans with The World Bank and International
Monetary Fund. 

What can we do to STOP or at least lessen the amount of deforestation

and conserve our own use of natural resources such as wood, oil and
gas, electricity, minerals and elements, and water?  Brainstorm...here's a
start:

 Always use both sides of paper when writing, drawing, photo-copying,

faxing, etc.
 Recycle paper, cans, glass, and plastic.
 Read the newspaper on-line.
 Buy paper products made from recycled paper: notebook paper, paper
towels, toilet paper, books, etc.
 Use pencils until they are stubs!  Think of pencils as gold (you'll never
lose them if you do).
 Encourage your parents, relatives, and friends to buy furniture and wood
that is Certified.  That means the wood was legally cut-down..
 Trees get cut down for cattle to graze
 Buy organic fruits and vegetables.  That means there are no insecticides
or pesticides (poisonous chemicals) sprayed on the food
 Instead of buying gold or diamonds, which are mined and cause
environmental damage, consider jewelry that is made from other
materials.
 Encourage your parents, relatives, and friends to drive fuel efficient
cars.bio-diesel cars 
 Even better, whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool or use mass transit
(bus or train).
 Save electricity by turning off lights, t.v., radio, computer, etc when you
are not using them.
 Save water by NOT taking baths; instead take quick showers (turning off
the water while you soap up) and then turning it back on to rinse quickly.
 While washing your hands and brushing your teeth, turn off the water. 
When washing the dishes or your parent's car, turn off the water while
washing it with soap.  Rinse quickly after washing. 
 Hmmm, can you think of other ways to conserve wood, oil and gas,
electricity, minerals and elements, and water, etc...?  Brainstorm with
your pen pal or a family member.

http://kids.mongabay.com/lesson_plans/lisa_algee/deforestation.html

MINING -- http://www.msha.gov/kids/kidshp.htm

Mine Safety and Health Administration -

MSHA                                                 

     - Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978