A natural hazard or disaster is an unexpected event, which causes extensive damage, property destruction, and human death (Salvadori and Matty 12). Mostly, natural disasters are beyond human control since they occur as a result of natural forces. Some of the most common natural disasters include floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides, and hurricanes among others (Salvadori and Matty 12). Different natural disasters have similar characteristics but they also differ in a number of ways. This paper will discuss similarities and differences between earthquakes and tsunamis. In addition, the paper will outline some of the similarities and differences between tsunamis and floods.
Similarities between earthquake and tsunamis. Earthquakes and tsunamis are natural hazards that occur at any given time; they cause death and mass destructions of properties especially houses. Earthquakes occur when plates beneath the ground change their position or direction (Salvadori and Matty 12). Additionally, volcanic actions and other processes that increase pressure in the underground can cause earthquakes. Just like earthquakes, tsunamis occur when different geological processes increase pressure beneath the water surface hence displacing mass volume of water (Salvadori and Matty 12). Due to high speed of water displaced, tsunamis cause mass destruction and death just like earthquakes. In addition to this, tsunamis also happen due to a series of volcanic actions on the surface beneath (Salvadori and Matty 12).
Difference between earthquakes and tsunamis. Earthquakes involve sudden shaking of the earth, which comes about when the plates beneath the earth surface change position (Antor, Inc). On the other hand, tsunamis involve an array of waves occurring on the water surface especially in the sea, which happens when plates beneath underground on the water surface change position. In addition, earthquakes occur both on the land and in the ocean while tsunami only occurs in the ocean/sea due to volcanic actions and other processes that speed up underground pressure. Moreover, earthquakes involve shaking of earth while tsunamis involve both shaking of earth and movement of water waves (Salvadori and Matty 12). Lastly, earthquakes and tsunamis have different intensities and that is why they vary in terms of their impacts. In fact, scientists argue that most earthquakes are of low magnitude while tsunamis are of high magnitude (Salvadori and Matty 12).
Similarities between tsunamis and floods: Both tsunamis and floods are natural disasters that cause destruction of properties and human death (Antor, Inc). In both cases, large volumes of water are displaced leading to evacuation of people to safe areas.
Difference between tsunamis and floods. Tsunamis occur when there are earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other processes that cause the earth to shake while floods only occur when rivers, oceans, and lakes overflow due to heavy rainfall (Antor, Inc). Additionally, tsunami only happens in oceans or pacific areas but floods occur on flat lands near rivers or lakes (Antor, Inc). Tsunamis involve strong waves in sea while floods involve overflow of excess water. Lastly, scientists and geological experts argue that it is easy to predict and prevent floods but it is not easy to predict and prevent tsunamis.
In conclusion, most natural disasters cause destruction of properties, displacement of people and death in many cases. Whereas natural disasters are different, they are also similar in one way of the other. Therefore, it is important to understand the major causes of different natural hazards to develop appropriate safety measures and reduce environmental impacts associated with natural disasters.
Works Cited
Antor, Inc. Floods and Tsunami. 2010. Web.
Salvadori, Mario, Matty Levis. Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis. New York: Earthquakes games, 2009. Print.