Description may include, but is not limited to,
- geophysical (e.g., earthquake, volcanic eruption, avalanche, subsidence)
- hydro-meteorological (e.g., flood, drought, wildfire, weather, climate)
- biological (e.g., epidemic, insect infestation, invasive species, animal stampede)
- technological (e.g., engineering failure, transport disasters, environmental disasters)
- sociological (e.g., criminal acts, riots, war)
- effects of agricultural practices
- point- and nonpoint-source pollution.
Process/Skill Questions:
- How can a natural disaster be simultaneously a positive and a negative event?
- What are examples of significant catastrophes caused by humans?
- What are some adaptations of forests that help deal with natural disasters (e.g., forest fires)?
- How could one formulate a plan to improve the water quality of a lake being contaminated by an identified source?
- What invasive species have been introduced in Virginia? How have they affected ecosystems into which they were introduced?