C2 Level Wordlist - Disaster and Pollution

Here you will learn all the essential words for talking about Disasters and Pollution, collected specifically for level C2 learners.

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C2 Level Wordlist
calamity [noun]

an event causing great and often sudden damage, distress, or destruction

Ex: The pandemic was a global calamity , affecting millions of lives and economies around the world .

a sudden, violent natural disaster that drastically alters the earth's landscape

Ex: Landslides and rock avalanches are examples of relatively common terrestrial cataclysms that can develop with little warning .
ravage [noun]

action that breeds severe damage or destruction

Ex: The wildfire 's ravage consumed vast areas of forest , leaving behind scorched landscapes .

an extremely intense and destructive fire

Ex: Historical records describe the conflagration that swept through the city , destroying countless homes and landmarks .
scourge [noun]

a cause of widespread suffering or affliction

Ex: The scourge of hurricanes poses a constant threat to coastal regions , causing extensive damage and displacement .

a smaller earthquake or tremor that follows the main shock of a seismic event

Ex: The aftershock , though less intense , still contributed to the structural damage already incurred by the initial earthquake .
temblor [noun]

an earthquake caused by underground movement or volcanic activity

Ex: Residents were startled by the temblor , prompting them to review emergency preparedness plans .
deluge [noun]

a sudden and heavy rainfall

Ex: The outdoor event was abruptly canceled when a deluge drenched the area , sending attendees scrambling for cover .
salvage [noun]

the action of rescuing a ship, its crew, or its cargo from a shipwreck, fire, or similar disaster

Ex: The insurance company refused to pay for damages not recovered during salvage .

the point on the surface of the earth vertically above the focus of an earthquake where its effects are felt most strongly

Ex: Scientists determined the epicenter of the aftershock to be a few miles from the original quake , further complicating recovery efforts .

a tornado occurring over a body of water, characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud filled with water droplets or spray

Ex: Beachgoers were amazed as a waterspout danced across the ocean , drawing attention to the natural phenomenon .

a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of substances contained in waste materials

Ex: The industrial complex featured a large incinerator to handle the disposal of manufacturing by-products .

a risk to human health or to the environment caused by a biological source, especially microorganisms

Ex: Scientists handling biohazards must follow strict safety protocols to prevent exposure to harmful microorganisms .
sludge [noun]

the semi-solid residue produced during sewage or wastewater treatment

Ex:
soot [noun]

a black powdery substance produced by burning materials like wood or coal

Ex: Heavy traffic in urban areas can contribute to elevated levels of soot in the air , affecting air quality .
effluent [noun]

liquid waste or sewage discharged into rivers, lakes, or the sea

Ex: The wastewater treatment plant processes millions of gallons of effluent each day , ensuring it is safe to return to natural water bodies .
detritus [noun]

waste or debris produced by the disintegration or decomposition of organic or inorganic matter

Ex: The abandoned building was in a state of disrepair , with detritus scattered throughout the interior .

a protective garment worn by workers to safeguard against exposure to hazardous substances or environments

Ex: During the outbreak , healthcare workers wore hazmat suits to minimize their risk of exposure to the infectious virus .
fallout [noun]

airborne particles, such as dust or debris, that settle after a nuclear explosion or similar event

Ex: Scientists monitored the fallout pattern to assess the extent of the nuclear explosion 's impact .
aerosol [noun]

a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles dispersed in a gas

Ex: Pollution often contains harmful aerosols that affect air quality .

a small, discrete particle or substance, especially one suspended in air, such as dust, pollen, or soot

Ex: A mask with a high-efficiency particulate air ( HEPA ) filter can help reduce exposure to airborne particulates .

a device in a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces the emission of harmful pollutants by promoting chemical reactions that convert them into less harmful substances

Ex: Mechanics can diagnose catalytic converter issues through specialized tests to ensure proper functioning .
unleaded [adjective]

not containing lead

Ex: The mechanic recommended using unleaded fuel for the new engine .