Natural Disasters
Unpredictable forces of nature like tornadoes and hurricanes can have a devastating impact on humans and our environment. Learn how natural disasters work and how science aims to better predict them.
A fire can burn for years, yes years, in a swamp. What's the deal?
Both dry and over-saturated soil can contribute to flash flooding. Can anything be done to prevent them from becoming catastrophic?
Fissures, Quakes and Lava: Explaining Kilauea's Volcanic Crisis
To date 14 massive fissures have opened up near Kilauea, and the Big Island has been rocked by repeated earthquakes. Do these geological events foreshadow a massive volcanic eruption?
We may not be able to hear infrasound, but we sure can use it to detect tornadoes.
Volcanic eruptions are loud. Very loud. But nobody's ever been able to capture the roar of the thunder they create. Until now.
Is climate change to blame for king tides flooding coastal cities more often? Some scientists say yes.
California cannabis farmers could lose everything in the wildfires.
Centuries of Volcano Death Statistics, Newly Analyzed for Your Reading Pleasure
New research digs into historic volcano fatalities to explore how, where and whom a volcano is most likely to kill.
When a major storm is barreling down, the reasons why some people choose to shelter in place are complicated.
Evacuee or Refugee: What Do We Call People Displaced by Natural Disasters?
Words matter when talking about those seeking shelter from the storm. What's the difference between hurricane evacuees and refugees?
Historic Hurricane Irma is being supercharged by the effects of climate change heating Earth's oceans.
'You really can't describe to anybody what it's like to sit through a hurricane,' says Ruth Clark, who lived through Hurricanes Camille and Katrina.
Hurricanes are the strongest storms on the planet. How we categorize them has helped save lives.
Why the Inside of a Tornado Gets Super Cold, Leaves You Gasping for Air
Researchers from Montreal's Concordia University have figured out why the air inside a tornado vortex is cooler and less dense than the surrounding air.
Is a Double Hurricane Something You Should Start Freaking Out About?
What happens when two unpredictable storms show up to dance? And what about when one finally heads out to sea — then abruptly turns inland again for a one-two punch?
It's every evil mad scientist's dream. Could it ever be a reality?
According to Chinese mythology, a great flood once swept the land. Now geologists have found reason to believe that the legendary catastrophe was real.
Saguaro Cacti Thrive When the World's Massive Volcanoes Erupt, Study Finds
New research links massive historic volcanic eruptions in Asia to a baby boom generation of the iconic Sonoran Desert cactus.
Trying to wrangle Mother Nature has successfully saved millions of lives, even if, at other times, it's quite literally blown up in our faces.
Evidence Two Ancient Tsunamis Reshaped Mars Points to Potential for Life
Billions of years ago, asteroid strikes caused mega-tsunamis made up of liquid water and frozen ice, scarring the red planet forever, according to new findings.
Your bathtub is great for taking a soak, giving the kids a bath, or even washing the dog. But can it protect you during a tornado? Read on to find out why — and why not.
There's a tornado coming! What do you do first? Grab your valuables? Seek shelter? Panic? Open the windows? Wait, what? Some say opening the windows in your house makes a tornado cause less damage. Read on to find out the truth.
Every year during tornado season, we see devastating effects of twisters in flat regions. But what about mountains? Do tornadoes steer clear of mountainous landscapes?
If only all tornadoes took us to the Land of Oz. Unfortunately, they only force us to seek safe shelter. If you're driving with a twister on the horizon, is it safe to ride out the tornado in an underpass?
Twisters are among the most frightening weather events since, well, forever. Is it true that a tornado can't jump a body of water? Are you safe if you grab a boat and paddle away?
