1.2 Potentially hazardous natural phenomena:
Atmospheric-
hailstorms, tropical cyclones (hurricanes, tropical storms), tornadoes, lightning.
Seismic-
fault ruptures, ground shaking, lateral spreading, liquefaction, tsunamis (see article by Ahmad on tsunami hazard in Jamaica in the Daily Observer, September 2, 1998, p.7), seiches.
Geologic/hydrologic-
Landslides (debris avalanches, rock falls), submarine landslides, subsidence, expansive soils, radon gas accumulation (e.g. Milk River Bath). (See article by Ahmad on landslide problem in Jamaica in the Daily Observer, May 19, 1998, p.7)
Volcanic-
Lava flows, mudflows, pyroclastic flows, tephra (ash, cinders, lapilli), gases, projectiles and lateral blasts.
Wildfire-
Brush, forest, grass, Savannah.

1.3 Multiple hazards:
In a majority of documented natural disaster case studies it has been observed that one or more of these hazardous processes occur simultaneously arising from a single cause.
For example, earthquakes may also trigger landslides, or rainfall associated with hurricanes may cause landslides and flooding in addition to wind damage. These are referred to as multiple hazards. This aspect is important in formulating response to hazards.

1.4 Rapid Onset vs. Slow Onset hazards:
Earthquakes, flash floods, volcanic eruptions and landslides are rapid onset processes that give virtually no warning. On the other hand, such hazards as subsidence, radon gas accumulation and droughts may develop more slowly over a period of months or years and are regarded as slow onset processes. Hurricane tracks and landfalls are amenable to prediction over several days. The speed of onset of a hazard guides preparedness plans.