PLACE

STAMP
HERE

How the
Spheres
Interact
All the spheres interact
with each other in the
Earths natural cycles. The
hydrosphere consists of all
the water, the atmosphere
consists of gases, and the
lithosphere is the outer
layer of the earth.
Changes in one sphere can
have a chain reaction
within the other spheres.
For example, tectonic
plates shifting may cause
water streams to create,
while releasing trapped
gasses within the Earth.
These events can lead to
natural disasters such as
those we explore in the

Australia. Government. Bureau of Meteorology.

Australian
Tsunami Warning System. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2016.
http://www.fema.gov/
Florida Department of Health. ClimateSenesitive Hazards in Florida. By Christopher
Emrich, Daniel Morath, Gregg Bowser, and
Rachel Reeves. Hazards and Vulnerability
Research Institute, n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
<http://www.floridahealth.gov/>.
National Geographic MapMaker Interactive.
<http://mapmaker.education.nationalgeograph
ic.com/#>

Field Trip:
Natural
Disasters
This pamphlet takes
you to three stops
where you will explore
different natural
disasters within the
atmosphere,
lithosphere, &
hydrosphere. Each
sphere is impacted by
natural events that
occur within the other
spheres. They become
hazards when they
interfere with the lives
of humans and other
living creatures.
Preparing
for these
Group 1:
Jenny Banegas,
Lopez, &
hazards
is David
essential

First Stop: Australia

Natural Lithospheric Hazard: Earthquakes
Although Australia is not too susceptible to
earthquakes, it is surrounded by 8,000
kilometers of tectonic plates that are. This
creates a huge threat of Tsunamis that can reach
the country within one hour after a local
earthquake.
Significant records from the bureau show that
historically, due to tsunamis, there have been
land inundations, dangerous tides, visible
changes to currents in the ocean, and even a
house was once carried away..
For now, according to Australias Bureau of
Meteorology, there is a well implemented
warning system. The source claims that $68.9M
were spent by 2009 to educate, train, and
prepare for Tsunamis. It is ironic how a country
with such low levels of earthquakes is sadly still
susceptible to tsunamis. Australias level of
preparation includes constant monitoring of sea
levels and seismic activities. Hopefully, this is
enough to timely warn its residents and properly
provide emergency response.

Second Stop: S.
Florida
Natural Atmospheric Hazard: Climate
Change
This local map shows the climate for the
southernmost section of Florida. It is adapted
from the Kppen climate classification that takes
into account several factors such as precipitation
and temperature. According to the legend, this
Southern part of Florida is labeled an
orange/yellow color to show a humid equatorial
climate with long dry seasons.
According to Floridas Department of Health, the
harsh climate in Florida is expected to worsen as
other factors join in the mix, such as sea levels
rising and stronger hurricane winds that are
expected to come. Floridas tip reaches out close
to the equator. The climate is similar to Cuba and
the Bahamas.
Throughout the rest of the country, most of the
other climate zones can be found, but Southern
Florida is easily distinguishable from the rest of
the country. This subtropical zone of Florida has
created over 65 declarations of state of
emergency, according to Florida Department of
Health. The department also estimates a
monetary loss in the billions, only from
hurricanes and storm, which are climate created
hazards.
The need for future solution is evident, however
too many inadequacies result from projections
due to future climate uncertainties. The hazard is
not something that can be controlled and it is a
risk residents of Southern Florida must face.
Luckily, our technology is advanced now days,
and can see danger before it arrives, allowing for
proper preparation and safe evacuation when
necessary.

Third Stop: Terrebonne,

Louisiana
Natural Hydrospheric Hazard: Flooding
This is a map of Terrebonne, Louisiana
showing the local flooding frequency.
According to the legend, floods occur very
frequent and are common. Based on the
location of Terrebonne, tropical hurricanes
may be directly associated with the natural
disaster. Recently, struck by Hurricane Katrina,
the location is a huge danger for all its
residents, and other living creatures.
According to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), due to
Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico, as well
as 50 rivers, streams, and bayous in the state
there is a higher risk for flooding to occur.
Terrebonne extends out into the ocean. The
Mississippi River also ends in that local area.
This makes the purple area, Terrebonne, an
easy flood hazard. Atmospheric forces, such as
hurricanes and tornadoes, have plenty of water
sources to stir up chaos in this area. This is
why floods are frequent and common in this
area.
According to FEMA, better response systems
are being implemented, flood insurance sales
has increased drastically, and the remaining
residents are preparing with home
improvements. When other natural disasters
occur, such as earthquakes, one can usually
salvage many items. In a flood however, almost
everything residents have becomes useless due
to flooding. Accessibility to aid is blocked,
since that staff may also be flooded. Disasters
like this require state or government assistant.