7.8A CATASTROPHIC

EVENTSVocabulary List #8

DroughtAn unusually long period of dry weather that lasts long enough to cause supply shortages

EarthquakeVibration of Earth’s surface that occurs after a release of energy in the Earth’s crust

TsunamiAn unusually large sea wave produced by a seaquake or undersea volcanic eruption

VolcanoA mountain that forms when molten rock, called magma, is forced to Earth’s surface.

WildfireAny fire that spreads uncontrollably and is hard to extinguish.

PopulationTwo or more of the same species.

SpeciesA type of organism.

AsteroidNumerous small celestial bodies that revolve around the sun.

SalinityThe amount of dissolved salt in a body of water.

Storm SurgeAn abnormal rise of the sea along a shore, caused primarily by the winds of a storm.