Classifications of Natural Disaster

There are four different types of classifications of natural disaster

  1. Atmospheric Classification
  2. Terrestrial Classification
  3. Aquatic Classification
  4. Biological Classification

1. Atmospheric Classification

Earth’s atmosphere is the primary location for natural disasters, which are the focus of atmospheric classification. These catastrophes are caused by conditions and atmospheric circumstances.

Examples of Atmospheric Classification

Atmospheric Disasters

Examples

Storms

Thunderstorms, Hailstorms, Blizzards

Tropical Cyclones

Hurricanes, Typhoons, Cyclones

Tornadoes

Violent tornadoes, Twisters

Droughts

Prolonged dry spells, Water scarcity

Extreme Temperature

Events Heat Waves, Cold Waves, Frost Events

2. Terrestrial Classification

Natural catastrophes that affect land surfaces, such as geological and geomorphological hazards, are the main emphasis of the terrestrial classification.

Examples of Terrestrial Classification

Terrestrial Disasters

Examples

Earthquakes

Seismic Events, Tremors

Volcanic Eruptions

Lava Flows, Ashfall, Pyroclastic Flows

Landslides

Rockfalls, Mudslides, Debris Flows

Avalanches

Snow Avalanches, Ice Avalanches

Soil Erosion

Wind Erosion, Water Erosion

3. Aquatic Classification

Natural catastrophes that happen in bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, seas, oceans, and groundwater, are the focus of the aquatic classification.

Examples of Aquatic Classification

Aquatic Disasters

Examples

Floods

Flash Floods, River Flooding, Coastal Flooding

Tidal Waves (Tsunamis)

Seismic Tsunamis, Landslide Tsunamis

Ocean Currents

Gulf Stream, Kuroshio Current

Storm

Surge Coastal Storm Surges, Seawater Inundation

4. Biological Classification

Natural catastrophes that affect living things and ecological systems are categorized as biological classification.

Examples of Biological Classification

Biological Disasters

Examples

Plants and Animals as Colonisers

Ecological Succession, Pioneer Species

Insects Infestation

Locust Swarms, Bark Beetle Outbreaks

Fungal, Bacterial, and Viral Diseases

Bird Flu Outbreaks, Dengue Fever Epidemics

Classification and Types of Disasters and Natural Hazards| Class 11

Understanding the different classifications and types of natural hazards and disasters is essential for studying geography. These phenomena cover a broad spectrum of occurrences, including atmospheric disturbances like hurricanes and floods as well as geological upheavals like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Examining these divisions sheds light on the dynamic interactions that shape our world and helps develop mitigation and preparedness plans for disasters.

Classification and Types of Disasters and Natural Hazards| Class 11

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