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.

Featured Article: 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. See more »

Articles 1-20 of 24

5 Amazing Natural Disaster Videos

Natural disasters can happen with little to no warning. What causes these events, and what happens when people are trapped?

Can you really fight fire with fire?

At some point in your life, a coach may have enthusiastically told you to "fight fire with fire." Coach, of course, was speaking metaphorically. Do firefighters actually employ this strategy?

Fact or Fiction: Earthquake Quiz

Earthquakes, like volcanoes, happen all the time -- but most of them are so minor we can't even feel them. They're also similar to volcanoes in that we can't fully predict them, and scientists are always waiting for the next Big One to occur.

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.

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.

How Floods Work

Flooding has claimed more lives than any other natural disaster. Find out how a gentle stream becomes a raging torrent.

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?

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.

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?

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ultimate Flood Quiz

Floods hold a prominent spot in the creation myths of many cultures, and today they kill more people every year than any other weather phenomenon. How much do you know about floods?

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

natural disasters library

Featured Article: How Avalanches Work

Articles 1-20 of 24

Articles 1-20 of 24

videos: natural disasters

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