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Catastrophic Events
Learn the terms and descriptions of different catastrophic events
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Catastrophic Event | Extreme weather events, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods - categorized by the extent and intensity of their impact on ecosystems. |
| Hurricane | A violent storm of strong wind and rain forms over the ocean - warm air rises from the ocean combining with cool air in the sky, causing clouds to spin intensely. |
| Tornado | Violent, swirling funnel of air extending from a storm cloud to the ground. |
| Flood | Water levels exceed what the ground can absorb and the streams and rivers can hold. |
| Ecosystem | A community of organisms interacting with the abiotic factors in their environment. |
| Storm Surge | Very large waves formed during hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes that flood the coast. |
| Drought | An extended period of months or years when a region has abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. |