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Natural Disasters Series
This is a series of articles on natural disasters that will focus on human catastrophes caused by some natural event - hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. In contrast to loss of life caused by war, we have little control over the forces of nature. Here, we will look at the 'natural' event itself and the human impact.- 1. Hurricanes
Hurricanes are the largest and most violent storms on earth. We will have a particular focus on Hurricane Mitch that in October 1998 resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 people in Central America. It was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane in 200 years.
Living within a Hurricane: A personal account
- 2. Earthquakes
Earthquakes are one of the most frightening of natural disasters as they occur without warning and can cause enormous damage - an earthquake in China in 1976 is estimated to have resulted in 750,000 deaths.
- 3. Volcanoes
Volcanoes are closely related to earthquakes. The theory of plate tectonics can be used to explain both earthquakes and volcanoes. It is estimated that about one in ten of the population live 'close' to an active volcano.
- 4. Twisters
One of the most devastating storms on earth is the tornado, a rotating column of air that emerges from the base of a thundercloud and extends towards the ground. In the strongest of tornadoes this column can be over one mile wide with windspeeds in excess of 300mph - sufficient to drive a nail into wood!
Sample Field Trips
IntroductionHow to conduct your research
- 1. South Dublin
A journey along the Dodder.
Lessons in Geography
- Reading a Weather Map
Every day meteorological measurements (pressure, wind, temperature and humidity among others) are made at hundreds of locations around the world. These observations are plotted on maps that are interpreted in terms of weather (for example fronts, precipitation and clouds).
LC Course Material
- Glaciations
Aspects of the last Ice Age in Ireland are explored by Dr. Robbie Meehan (Teagasc). These articles form part of a Leaving Cert. lecture at the AGTI-GSI Conference 2001.
