How do scientists predict a natural disaster before it happens?

Answer 1

Predicting the size, location, and timing of natural hazards is virtually impossible, but now, earth scientists are able to forecast hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and landslides to some extent using fractals.

A fractal is a mathematical formula of a pattern that repeats over a wide range of size and time scales. These patterns are hidden within more complex systems. A good example of a fractal is the branching system of a river. Small tributaries join to form larger and larger "branches" in the system, but each small piece of the system closely resembles the branching pattern as a whole.

Answer 2

Well in terms of weather related disasters meteorologists typically observe and document weather patterns. These observations give them data which they compare to previous observations and up to date observations to determine how and where a weather pattern will develop. Technology has greatly enhanced our ability to predict weather patterns, however, I personally like the farmer's almanac :)

Answer 3

Its a science that is being worked on. Once an earthquake has happened, then regional centers can predict if there are likely to be more or not, but its not a perfect science. How they do what they do is they have remote sensors that they deploy to regions where there are known faults. Those who live in such areas need always to be prepared and know how to react.

Answer 4

Scientists predict disasters by analyzing data from their own scientific equipment. They also consider eyewitness accounts, oral traditions, physical evidences, and written records of previously occurring disasters. These predictions help in damage reduction and control by letting people see how much must be done to make their property more disaster resistant, and by allowing emergency preparedness organizations to structure their before, during and after disaster responses appropriately.

Answer 5

Scientists can measure where strains are building up in the Earth, but the regions involved are vast, and the stresses are often deep underground. There's no way of knowing when or where something will slip. For the moment the problem is too complex and chaotic for accurate predictions.

Answer 6

They can use radar or satalite to predict some, but others are hard to predict.

Answer 7

they use something called fractals

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/01/020131073853.htm

Answer 8

Some natural disasters can be predicted to a limited degree, while others cannot. We can make warnings about volcanic eruptions, storms, ans tsunamis, but we cannot predict earthquakes.