Final answer:
Hurricane Sandy is particularly noted for causing significant flooding in 2012. Hurricanes are associated with high winds, heavy rainfall, and can result in tornadoes, but they are not responsible for tectonic-related phenomena like earthquakes or the creation of island chains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hurricane Sandy is a poignant example of a natural event that led to significant flooding. During its course in 2012, Sandy caused extensive damage through high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, particularly in the Northeastern United States. While tornadoes can sometimes accompany hurricanes, and hurricanes like Sandy cause downed trees and power lines, Sandy is more notably remembered for its catastrophic flooding.
Hurricanes do not cause earthquakes, continental drift, mountain building, or volcanic eruptions. These phenomena are related to tectonic activities and processes within the Earth's crust and mantle. Furthermore, the creation of the Hawaiian island chain was due to volcanic activity, not hurricanes.
The satellite image of Hurricane Irene showcased in Figure 8.13 Storm from Space is a representation of the violent weather that can emerge from the combination of Earth's tilted axis, rotation, and vast oceans. While the image is of a different storm, it still demonstrates the potential of such weather systems to cause severe damage, including flooding.
In the wake of such natural disasters, engineers strive to develop better protection and response systems to minimize the impact of these events on people and property.