Glossary

The words of earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and cyclones, explained simply. Each definition links to real examples on the map.

Plates and Faults

• Tectonic Plate
• Subduction
• Mid-Ocean Ridge
• Transform Fault
• Fault
• Hotspot

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

• Earthquake, Epicentre and Hypocentre
• Magnitude
• Intensity (Mercalli Scale)
• Aftershock
• Tsunami

Volcanoes

• Active Volcano
• Stratovolcano
• Shield Volcano
• Caldera
• Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI)
• Pyroclastic Flow
• Lahar

Cyclones and Sky

• Tropical Cyclone, Hurricane, Typhoon
• Saffir-Simpson Scale
• Aurora and Kp Index