Forces of Nature

We see the destruction that the Earth can unleash in the news on a regular basis. Here you can learn about hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and other forces of nature.

The Coldest Country in the World Is Below Freezing, on Average

What State Gets the Most Snow? No. 1 Gets 6 Feet Per Year

The Coldest State in the U.S. Is Below Freezing on Average

What Was the Strongest Earthquake Ever Recorded?

The Largest Tsunami Ever Recorded Only Claimed 2 Lives

Where Wildfire Prevention Impacts People and Climate Most

HowStuffWorks Illustrated: Hurricane Categories

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Do tornadoes disproportionately strike trailer parks?

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Weather and Climate: What's the Difference?

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What Is a Flood and Why Is the Surge of Water So Dangerous?

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The Coldest Country in the World Is Below Freezing, on Average

Over our long history, humans have managed to thrive in a wide range of climates, from the very hot to the very cold. The modern world is different in many ways from the ancient, but we still live pretty much all over, in places that are sweltering and places that are absolutely frigid.

By Zach Taras

What State Gets the Most Snow? No. 1 Gets 6 Feet Per Year

As colder months and winter weather sweep across the country, each state in the U.S. prepares for their respective regional conditions. Temperature and the average amount of snowfall per year depend on several factors, including terrain, elevation and the likelihood of consistent precipitation.

By Mitch Ryan

The Most Beautiful Countries in the World, Sorted by Region

Any avid traveler knows there are far too many gorgeous landscapes and jaw-dropping views to make one all-encompassing list of the most beautiful countries in the world. We're lucky to have such a diverse world, and beauty is subjective.

By Karina Ryan

The Coldest State in the U.S. Is Below Freezing on Average

The United States has a wide range of climate zones, from the subtropical to the arctic. On the low end of the thermometer, there are plenty of options for a deep winter chill. Here, we look at a couple different ways to determine the coldest state in the U.S. — and by both definitions, there's one winner.

By Zach Taras

Where Is the Coldest City in the World?

If you're looking for a place to live and you don't mind some seriously frosty winters, you have plenty of options to choose from. But some places endure more than a few blustery months, and no parka or insulated mittens will feel like enough. Those are contenders for the title of coldest city in the world.

By Zach Taras

What Was the Strongest Earthquake Ever Recorded?

Earthquakes are among the most powerful natural forces on Earth, often causing widespread devastation, triggering tsunamis and altering the landscape of a region. But how strong was the strongest earthquake of all time?

By Marie Look

Braving the Most Dangerous Sea in the World

The world's oceans and seas are vital arteries for global trade, yet they also pose significant risks to those who navigate them. From piracy to maritime disasters, the dangers that mariners face are numerous and varied.

By Marie Look

The Largest Tsunami Ever Recorded Only Claimed 2 Lives

If you're lucky, you've never seen a tsunami in person, but you know that this type of massive wave can cause enormous damage. They can be measured, too, which easily leads to the question: What was the largest tsunami ever recorded?

By Zach Taras

What Is Humidity and How Does Humidity Affect Temperature?

When discussing the weather, humidity is a constant topic of conversation and consternation, especially during those muggy summer months. When people say, "At least it's a dry heat," that's just another way of saying, "Phew! At least it's not humid!"

By Mack Hayden

The Hottest Place on Earth and 9 Scorching Contenders

When challenged to name the hottest place on Earth, sprawling desert environments like Death Valley or the African Sahara probably spring to mind. However, extreme heat nearly matching those examples can occur on five continents, and some of these hottest places are even densely populated by humans.

By Talon Homer

The 10 Hottest States in the U.S., Based on 2023 Data

Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth. With a record high of 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius), the California national park is sweltering, but it is not even one of the top 10 hottest states in the U.S.

By Yara Simón

7 of the 10 Hottest Countries in the World Are on 1 Continent

Did you know that some places on Earth can get so hot that local wildlife has evolved specifically to survive the extreme conditions? In these regions, the heat isn't just a summer wave; it's a constant presence.

By Desiree Bowie

Where Wildfire Prevention Impacts People and Climate Most

The U.S. government is investing over US$7 billion in the coming years to try to manage the nation's escalating wildfire crisis. That includes a commitment to treat at least 60 million acres in the next 10 years by expanding forest-thinning efforts and controlled burns.

By Jamie Peeler