What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Earthquakes occur when tectonic plates move suddenly, releasing energy as seismic waves that shake the ground

Tsunamis are large ocean waves triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions

Bushfires spread rapidly in hot, dry, windy conditions and play a natural role in some Australian ecosystems

Human preparation — including early warning systems, evacuation plans, and building codes — reduces the impact of natural disasters

Key Vocabulary

Natural disaster

A severe natural event that causes significant damage, disruption, or loss of life

Tectonic plates

Large sections of Earth's crust that move slowly and interact at plate boundaries

Seismic waves

Vibrations produced by an earthquake that travel through the Earth's crust

Evacuation

The process of moving people away from a dangerous area to a place of safety

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

What causes an earthquake?

Sudden movement of tectonic plates releasing energy Heavy rainfall weakening the ground Volcanic ash falling on the surface High wind speeds at ground level

Question 2

A tsunami is most commonly caused by:

A very large storm at sea An underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption Extreme tidal activity during a full moon Rapid evaporation over the ocean

Question 3

Which preparation method BEST reduces harm from natural disasters?

Building houses with paper walls Ignoring weather forecasts to reduce public panic Installing early warning systems and practising evacuation plans Moving all cities to the top of mountains

Natural Disasters