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Earthquakes
Earthquakes are formed by shifts in the Earth's crust. These shifts generally occur at plate boundaries. Convergent boundaries represent areas where two plates are colliding, and are under tremendous pressure. When this pressure exceeds the friction holding the plates in place, they abruptly shift, releasing tremendous amounts of energy in the form of an earthquake. While earthquakes can occur almost anywhere, they are most likely to occur near one of these plate boundaries.
Tsunamis
Tsunamis are the result of undersea earthquakes that trigger a large rise or fall in sea level. This vast displacement of ocean water is propagated outward as an energy wave, like ripples on a pond. When this energy wave reaches shallow waters, it produces a massive wave. However, unlike a wave that quickly breaks on shore, a tsunami wave continues to surge inland for great distances, with tremendous force. Any coastline can be targeted by a tsunami.
Volcanic Eruptions
Surface volcanoes are primarily formed by a type of convergent boundary, called a subduction zone. Subduction zones occur where oceanic plates are being forced under continental plates. As these plates are forced downward, they release water and gases that rise to the surface. This triggers a chemical chain reaction that melts the crust, forming magma. When this magma reaches the surface, it results in a volcanic eruption. Volcanic eruptions are generally limited to areas near subduction zones, such as the Ring of Fire that surrounds the Pacific Ocean.
Hurricanes
Most hurricanes begin their life as depressions flowing westward from the coast of Africa. As they flow over the warm waters of the Atlantic, they begin to build in strength. If conditions are right, they develop into tropical storms and then hurricanes. Hurricanes will generally take one of four tracks: towards Central America, the Gulf Coast, the East Coast or the North Atlantic. If you live in one of these areas, you are much more likely to experience one of these destructive storms.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are a product of massive cumulonimbus storm cells. These storms are formed by rapidly rising warm, moist air. This occurs when a cold air mass collides with a warm, moist air mass. The denser, cold air forces its way under the warm, moist air, causing it to rise rapidly. While this can occur anywhere, it is most likely to occur over the central states, in an area known as tornado alley. Here, cold, dry air rushes down off the Rocky Mountains and collides with warm, moist air flowing northward from of the Gulf of Mexico. While not an official term, tornado alley is generally considered to cover the plains, from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachian Mountains.