Earth Science

When scientists study volcanic eruptions, one of the challenges they face is how to compare different events, past and present, in a meaningful way. One of the tools developed to address this challenge is the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), created in…
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Geology and the Work of Geologists Geology is the study of the Earth. The study can further be subdivided into physical geology and historical geology. Physical geology is concerned with the earth materials, surface and interior changes, and the forces…
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It seems like no matter where you turn, there are talks of global warming. What is global warming? Who caused it? How? What does it mean for the future? Unfortunately, this topic produces more questions than answers. No matter the…
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People are often at a loss to describe the power of a volcanic eruption.  When earthquakes are discussed, the classification of the Richter Scale comes readily to the public at large.  News reports can even offer this information in shorthand,…
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Every year, we hear horror stories of viscious tropical cyclones known as hurricaines causing immense amounts of catastrophic damage.  These devastating storms are whipped up in the middle of the oceans and then pass over land, leaving a wake of…
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Flooding can happen anywhere there is water. There are times however, when flooding is predicted and, especially those in low-lying areas, should be prepared to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. The first step in being prepared…
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Since the traumatizing major (magnitude 7) earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 12, 2010, the residents of that Caribbean country have experienced the fright of a sequence of aftershocks—the smaller earthquakes or tremors that follow a major earthquake….
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In places where there is ample rainfall and the climate is tolerable by Human Beings and animals you will find most of the World’s people. Need I say more? Yes, those are also places where most of the food is…
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Some of the most familiar stratovolcanos in the world are Mount Fuji, Mount Vesuvius, Mount Krakatoa, Mount Tambora and Mount Pinatubo.  On the North American continent there are several stratovolcanos, Mount Shasta, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood and Mount Rainier….
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In order for a snowstorm to be classified a blizzard it has to be accompanied by winds over 35 miles per hour, with visibility of one-quarter mile or less. It has to also have temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and…
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