Forces of Nature

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover the impact of a Category 3 hurricane. Explore its characteristics and effects. Understand the force of a Category 3 hurricane today.

By HowStuffWorks

Discover the impact of a Category 1 hurricane. Explore its features and effects. Understand the dynamics of Category 1 hurricanes today.

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Understand its devastation and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Katrina today.

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Irma. Understand its path and effects. Learn about the history of Hurricane Irma today.

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Understand its destruction and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Sandy today.

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Ida. Understand its path and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Ida today.

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Harvey. Understand its devastation and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Harvey today.

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Andrew. Understand its devastation and historical significance. Learn about Hurricane Andrew today.

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Maria. Understand its devastation and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Maria today.

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Michael. Understand its devastation and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Michael today.

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Discover how a hurricane forms. Explore the process of hurricane formation and its stages. Uncover the science behind hurricanes.

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Typhoon vs. Hurricane: Uncover the differences and similarities between these powerful tropical storms. Learn about their formation and impact.

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Hurricane Charley: Unveiling the Impact and Aftermath of this Devastating Storm. Explore its path, damage, and lessons learned.

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California Hurricane: Exploring the Rare Phenomenon and Potential Impacts. Learn about the history, preparation, and coastal vulnerability.

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When is Hurricane Season? Discover the crucial dates and regions of hurricane occurrence. Learn how to prepare and stay safe.

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Unearth the Worst Hurricanes in US History: Catastrophic storms that shaped landscapes, impacted communities, and left indelible marks on the nation.

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Dive into Category 4 Hurricanes: Intense tropical cyclones with devastating winds, causing significant damage and posing major threats to coastal areas.

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The effects of wildfire smoke are different than those of other types of air pollution. But just how harmful to humans is it?

By Luke Montrose

Hurricanes can range in strength from Category 1 all the way to Category 5. Learn more about hurricane categories in this HowStuffWorks Illustrated video.