Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A natural disaster is a sudden event caused by natural forces that seriously damages life, property, or the environment. Its causes are grouped into geological, weather-related, and human-worsened causes.
Step 2: Geological causes.
Movement of the earth's tectonic plates causes earthquakes, and undersea earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. Volcanic eruptions release ash, lava, and gas that damage surrounding land.
Step 3: Weather-related causes.
Heavy, continuous rainfall causes floods. Very low rainfall over a long period causes drought. Strong pressure differences in the atmosphere create cyclones and storms.
Step 4: Human-worsened causes.
Cutting down forests removes natural flood control and increases landslide risk. Poor drainage planning in cities worsens flood damage. Climate change from pollution is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe.
Final Answer:
Natural disasters are mainly caused by tectonic and volcanic activity, extreme weather patterns, and are often worsened by human actions like deforestation and pollution.