Geological factors can play a significant role in contributing to environmental disasters. These factors include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and tsunamis. Here are some case studies that highlight how these geological factors have led to environmental disasters:

1. Earthquakes:
- The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan: This 9.0 magnitude earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that caused extensive damage to coastal areas. The tsunami waves reached heights of up to 40 meters and resulted in the Fukushima nuclear disaster, where multiple nuclear reactors experienced meltdowns.
- The 2010 Haiti earthquake: This 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the capital city of Port-au-Prince, causing widespread devastation. The country's inadequate infrastructure and construction practices exacerbated the impact, leading to the collapse of numerous buildings and the loss of thousands of lives.

2. Volcanic Eruptions:
- The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines: This explosive eruption released a large amount of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The ashfall caused significant damage to infrastructure, disrupted air travel, and resulted in the displacement of thousands of people.
- The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland: This volcanic eruption released a massive plume of ash into the atmosphere, leading to the closure of airspace over Europe for several days. The disruption in air travel had significant economic and environmental consequences.

3. Landslides:
- The 2014 Oso landslide in Washington, USA: This catastrophic landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, swept through a community, burying houses and claiming the lives of 43 people. The unstable geological conditions, including the presence of a previous landslide deposit, contributed to the severity of the disaster.
- The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake-induced landslides in China: The powerful earthquake triggered thousands of landslides, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure and resulted in the loss of thousands of lives.

4. Tsunamis:
- The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: This devastating tsunami, triggered by a powerful earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, affected several countries, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of over 230,000 people. The lack of early warning systems and inadequate coastal protection contributed to the high casualty count.

These case studies illustrate the significant impact of geological factors on environmental disasters. Understanding and mitigating the risks associated with these factors are crucial for disaster preparedness and response.