Earthquake
Earthquakes occur following the release of energy when tectonic plates move apart.
Types de catastrophes
Flood
Flooding occurs when bodies of water flow onto land that is normally dry.
Landslide
Landslides occur when ground on slopes becomes unstable. The unstable ground collapses and flows down the side of a hill or mountain, and can consist of earth, rocks, mud and any debris which may be caught in its wake.
Oil Spill
Oil spills occur when petroleum oil is released into the ocean following accidents, such as vessels crashing or damage and problems with oil platforms and drilling.
Snow and Ice
When temperatures drop below the freezing point, and there is sufficient water in clouds, it can result in snow. Snow storms can quickly cause disruption to inhabited areas if the ground temperature is cold enough for the snow to settle.
Storm
Storms are weather phenomena that form over the ocean through the release of energy generated by the evaporation and saturation of water on the ocean's surface.
Tsunami
Ocean waves of the type monitored by the Disasters Charter are most typically tsunamis, but storms with strong winds can also cause hazardous coastal waves.
Volcanic Eruption
Volcanoes are points in the Earth's crust which have ruptured, allowing lava, ash, rocks and gas to erupt during periods of seismic activity.
Wildfire
Wildfires occur when vegetated areas are set alight and are particularly common during hot and dry periods.
Other
In addition to the most common forms of natural disasters, there are other types of disasters which may benefit from satellite observations.