New
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An introduction to natural hazards
I can describe different types of natural hazards and explain their impacts on people and property.
Lesson 1 of 12
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
An introduction to natural hazards
I can describe different types of natural hazards and explain their impacts on people and property.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A natural hazard is a natural event that has the potential to cause damage, loss of life or economic disruption.
- There are several types of natural hazard, including landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- Natural hazards pose major risks to people and property.
Keywords
Natural hazard - a natural event that has the potential to cause damage, loss of life or economic disruption
Natural disaster - when a natural hazard actually causes significant damage, harm or loss of life
Hazard risk - the likelihood that people or property will be harmed by a natural hazard
Common misconception
A natural hazard is the same thing as a natural disaster.
A natural hazard is a potentially harmful event, a natural disaster is when a natural hazard event significantly affects humans.
Using interactive maps, GIS data and animations (e.g. how tectonic plates move or how tropical storms develop) can help students get a clearer understanding of the processes involved.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are examples of a natural hazard?
Which of the following are examples of a natural hazard?
a factory explosion
war
Q2.Match the key words with the definition.
Match the key words with the definition.
Q3.What is the term used for a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, often caused by tectonic plate movements?
What is the term used for a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, often caused by tectonic plate movements?
hurricane
tsunami
tornado
Q4.Match the categories of natural hazard with their definitions.
Match the categories of natural hazard with their definitions.
Q5.What are some of the risks facing countries that are vulnerable to natural hazards?
What are some of the risks facing countries that are vulnerable to natural hazards?
economic gain
increased tourism
Q6.A powerful earthquake that takes place in a densely-populated city is likely to cause a natural .
A powerful earthquake that takes place in a densely-populated city is likely to cause a natural .
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following factors can increase the risk of a natural hazard becoming a natural disaster?
Which of the following factors can increase the risk of a natural hazard becoming a natural disaster?
stronger building regulations
lower temperatures
lack of rainfall
Q2.What is a natural hazard?
What is a natural hazard?
A human-made event that causes harm to people and the environment.
A type of weather event that does not affect human populations.
An event that always results in damage to property.
Q3.What does the term 'hazard risk' refer to?
What does the term 'hazard risk' refer to?
The amount of damage a natural disaster causes to a country's economy.
The study of different types of natural hazards around the world.
The prevention strategies for dealing with natural disasters.
Q4.A hurricane hitting a densely populated coastal city is an example of a natural hazard with a high hazard .
A hurricane hitting a densely populated coastal city is an example of a natural hazard with a high hazard .
