Earth Science

Nearly everyone is aware that no one has ever observed two snowflakes that are exactly alike regardless of the fact that there are an infinite number of snowflakes in a heavy snowfall.  But are there different types of snowflakes?  Yes,…
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In order to work out why snow is white we need to look at light energy.  The amount of light absorbed in certain materials is significant to how we see colors.  If light photons can travel all the way through…
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Summer is the time for lightning.  Extreme weather events occur more frequently during the spring and summer months in temperate areas.  Beautiful sunny days can rapidly turn stormy with people sent running for cover by torrential rain, hail, gusts of wind…
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During the summer the drama, and sometimes destruction, that comes with summer storms is a regular event, particular in mid latitude countries.  Lasting from less than a quarter of an hour to half a day, thunderstorms are associated with warm…
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The factors that affect wind direction and intensity are very similar to those that influence ocean currents.  The main variables in both cases are the Coriolis force, pressure, and temperature.  Another important factor for winds is friction.  All of these are interconnected. …
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From the first of June until the 30th of November of every year, people living along the Gulf of Mexico coast in the United States or Mexico, those living anywhere in the Caribbean or along the Atlantic Ocean, particularly the…
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Hurricane season is here! From June to November, weather watchers wait to see what tropical storms will come.  Remember the devastation of Hurricane Ike or the troubles brought by 2005 storm, Katrina, people are curious what trials the next season…
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Hurricane season begins on June 1st and lasts until November 30th. For those five months, people who live in any area where hurricanes pose any kind of threat, regardless of whether it is a direct threat or the threat from…
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From June till November every year some places are at risk from hurricanes.  If you live in the southern part of the United States or in central America then it is highly advisable to be prepared for a hurricane sweeping over.   In…
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The familiar and often-used phrase “Oil and water don’t mix” was not related to automobiles. But it could easily be applied to what can happen if a person tries to drive in a flood. If a vehicle stalls while in…
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