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Natural hazards - AQATypes of natural hazard

The two main types of natural hazards are tectonic and climatic. Natural hazards can have economic, social and environmental consequences. The risks of these occurring can vary greatly.

Part of GeographyThe challenge of natural hazards

Types of natural hazard

Natural hazards can be placed into two categories - tectonic hazards and climatic hazards.

occur when the Earth's crust moves. For example, when the plates move, friction can cause them to become stuck. Tension builds until the plates release, which leads to an earthquake.

occur when a region has certain weather conditions, for example heavy rainfall can lead to flooding.

Tectonic hazards include buildings collapsing, avalanches and volcano eruptions. Climatic hazards include flooding, drought and tropical storms.
Tectonic hazardsClimatic hazards
EarthquakesFlooding
TsunamisTornadoes
VolcanoesTropical storms (hurricanes)
Mountain avalanchesDroughts
Tectonic hazardsEarthquakes
Climatic hazardsFlooding
Tectonic hazardsTsunamis
Climatic hazardsTornadoes
Tectonic hazardsVolcanoes
Climatic hazardsTropical storms (hurricanes)
Tectonic hazardsMountain avalanches
Climatic hazardsDroughts