Natural Hazards - National Picture Photo 4.
Hurricanes drive high wave energy that destroys coastal structures.
Erosion occurs not only on sandy beaches, but also on these bluffs on the Great Lakes. Experts believe that a combination of factors contribute to the continuing worldwide rise in disaster loss totals. Worldwide, each of these factors may come into play, but disaster loss increases in the United States seem to be most closely tied to population growth and investment in high-risk areas. Growth trends in U.S. coastal areas obviously increase human exposure to natural hazards. The United States has an extensive and diverse coastline that supports a disproportionate percentage of the nation's population.