Featured Article: Mount St. Helens Erupts
The Mount St. Helens eruption resulted in almost 60 deaths. Learn more about the Mount St. Helens eruption, from how it happened to the aftereffects. See more »
natural disasters library
Unpredictable forces of nature like tornados and hurricanes can have a devastating impacts on our societies and environment. Learn how natural disasters work and how science aims to better predict them.
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Articles 1-20 of 22
5 Amazing Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can happen with little to no warning. What causes these events, and what happens when people are trapped?
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How Avalanches Work
Learn how avalanches form, how long you can stay alive while buried under an avalanche and what steps you can take to survive.
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How Earthquakes Work
An earthquake is one of the most terrifying phenomena that nature can dish up. We generally think of the ground we stand on as "rock-solid" and completely stable. An earthquake can shatter that perception instantly, and often with extreme violence.
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How Fire Works
Few things have done as much harm to humanity as fire, and few things have done as much good. Find out where fire comes from and see why it behaves the way it does. The answers might surprise you!
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How Floods Work
Flooding has claimed more lives than any other natural disaster. Find out how a gentle stream becomes a raging torrent.
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How Hurricanes Work
How often have you watched a weather forecaster point to a spiral-shaped cloudy mass with a sense of dread and fascination? What fuels these ferocious storms?
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How Lightning Works
Lightning is an incredible force of nature. And like many natural phenomena, lightning is not always what it seems. Go behind the mystery and learn what's really going on when lightning strikes.
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How Sinkholes Work
We tend to think of the ground beneath our feet as terra firma, but sometimes it's as stable as a house of cards. What happens when the Earth opens up to swallow homes, cars and people?
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How to Survive an Earthquake
If the big one struck, would you be ready? No? Then start reading and stocking up on food, water and other essential supplies. And hurry up. For some of you, it's not "if" but "when."
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How Tsunamis Work
The latest death toll for the Indian Ocean tsunami has topped 150,000. While the human and cultural extent of this natural disaster is difficult to grasp, the physical properties that led to it are a bit more within our reach. Learn how a tsunami forms and what happens after it does.
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How Volcanoes Work
Volcanoes are some of nature's most awe-inspiring displays, with everything from exploding mountaintops to rivers of lava. Learn how all the different types of volcanoes work.
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How Wildfires Work
The raging wildfires in southern California have claimed lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. Learn how wildfires start and spread, and find out what firefighters do to battle the blaze.
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Mount St. Helens Erupts
The Mount St. Helens eruption resulted in almost 60 deaths. Learn more about the Mount St. Helens eruption, from how it happened to the aftereffects.
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What if a wildfire came near my house?
Wildfires spread quickly consuming almost everything in their path -- including homes. What can you do if you see the inferno racing toward your home?
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What is it like in the eye of a tornado?
A tornado can turn a house into toothpicks, but when you think about it, it's really just a funnel of air. What's it like on the inside?
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10 Destructive Hurricanes in Recent Times
While close to 100 tropical storm systems develop each year, often only a handful become hurricanes. Between 80 and 100 of these storms form each year from June to November in the Caribbean. Find 10 destructive hurricanes in recent times.
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12 of the Most Destructive Earthquakes
Earthquakes and their resulting aftershocks can be devastatingly destructive. Earthquakes are caused when a fault in the Earth's crust slips, which releases energy waves in the ground. Find a list of 12 of the most destructive earthquakes in history.
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15 Tornado Safety Tips
Tornadoes are dangerous things, so it's important for you and your family to be prepared in the event of one. The United States experiences more tornadoes than the rest of the world due to low-lying geography. See our list of 15 tornado safety tips.
See more »What is a Nor'easter?
Nor'easters typically affect the east coast of the United States during the winter season. What exactly are Nor'easters, though, and how do they form. Find out the answer to this question in this article from HowStuffWorks.
See more »Why do hurricanes seem to move as if they have a mind of their own, and why do they follow such peculiar tracks?
Hurricanes seem to have a mind of their own as they track across the Atlantic Ocean. While they all follow the same general directions, local weather patterns effect where they ultimately land. Find out why hurricanes move the way they do.
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