Natural phenomena. Natural and dangerous natural phenomena

Natural phenomena are ordinary, sometimes even supernatural climatic and meteorological events occurring naturally in all corners of the planet. It can be the usual snow or rain since childhood, but can - incredible destructive volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. If such events pass away from a person and do not cause him material damage, they are considered not to be important. Nobody will focus on this. Otherwise, dangerous natural phenomena are considered by humanity as natural disasters.

Research and observations

Typical natural phenomena people began to study even in ancient times. However, these observations were systematized only in the 17th century, even a separate branch of science (natural science) was formed, which studies these events. However, despite many scientific discoveries, and to this day, some natural phenomena and processes remain poorly understood. Most often, we see the consequence of an event, and we can only guess at the root causes and build various theories. Researchers in many countries are working on making forecasts of the occurrence, and most importantly, preventing their possible occurrence, or at least reducing the damage caused by natural phenomena. And yet, despite the destructive power of such processes, a person always remains a man and seeks to find in it something beautiful, sublime. What natural phenomenon is most fascinating? They can be listed for a long time, but probably should be noted such as a volcanic eruption, tornadoes, tsunamis - all of them are beautiful, despite the destruction and chaos that remain after them.

Weather phenomena of nature

Natural phenomena characterize the weather with its seasonal changes. Each season is different for its complex of events. For example, in spring the following weather phenomena are observed: snow melting, high water, thunderstorms, clouds, wind, rain. In the summer, the sun gives the planet an abundance of heat, natural processes at this time are most favorable: clouds, warm wind, rain and, of course, a rainbow; But can be severe: thunderstorms, hail. In autumn, the weather conditions change, the temperature decreases, the days become cloudy, with rain. During this period, the following phenomena predominate: fogs, fall leaves, hoarfrost, first snow. In winter, the plant world falls asleep, some animals are dormant. The most frequent natural phenomena are: ice, blizzard, blizzard, snow, frosty patterns appear on the windows .

All these events are ordinary for us, we have not paid attention to them for a long time. Now let's look at processes that remind humanity that it is not the crown of everything, and the planet Earth has only sheltered it for a while.

Dangerous natural phenomena

These are extreme and severe climatic and meteorological processes that occur in all parts of the world, but some regions are considered more vulnerable to certain kinds of events than others. Dangerous natural phenomena turn into a category of disasters in the event that the infrastructure is destroyed and people die. These losses are the main obstacles to the development of mankind. To prevent such cataclysms is almost impossible, only timely forecasting of events in order to prevent victims and material damage remains.

However, the difficulty lies in the fact that dangerous natural phenomena can occur on different scales and at different times. In fact, each of them is unique in its own way, and therefore it is very difficult to forecast it. For example, flash floods and tornadoes are destructive, but short-lived phenomena affecting relatively small areas. Other dangerous cataclysms, such as droughts, can develop very slowly, but they affect whole continents and the entire population. Such disasters last for several months, and sometimes even years. In order to control and predict these events, some national hydrological and meteorological services and special specialized centers are assigned tasks to study dangerous geophysical phenomena. These include volcanic eruptions, ash transport through the air, tsunamis, radioactive, biological, chemical pollution, etc.

Now we will take a closer look at some of the natural phenomena.

Drought

The main reason for this cataclysm is a lack of precipitation. Drought is very different from other natural disasters by its slow development, often its beginning is hidden by various factors. In world history, even recorded cases where this disaster lasted for many years. Drought often has horrendous consequences: first, water sources (streams, rivers, lakes, springs) dry up, many crops stop growing, then animals die, and poor health and malnutrition become widespread realities.

Tropical Cyclones

These natural phenomena represent areas of very low atmospheric pressure over subtropical and tropical waters, forming a colossal rotating system of thunderstorms and winds the size of hundreds (sometimes thousands) kilometers across. The speed of surface winds in the zone of a tropical cyclone can reach two hundred kilometers per hour and even more. The interaction of low pressure and wind-induced waves often leads to the emergence of coastal storm surges - a huge volume of water being thrown ashore with colossal force and high speed, which are all washed away on their way.

Air pollution

These natural phenomena arise as a result of the accumulation in the air of harmful gases or particles of substances formed as a result of cataclysms (volcanic eruptions, fires) and the activities of mankind (the work of industrial enterprises, vehicles, etc.). Smoke and smoke appear as a result of fires on undeveloped lands and forests, as well as incineration of crop residues and logging; In addition, due to the formation of volcanic ash. These pollutant elements have very serious consequences for the human body. As a result of such cataclysms visibility is reduced, there are disruptions in the work of road and air transport.

Desert locust

Such natural phenomena cause serious damage in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the southern part of the European continent. When environmental and weather conditions favor the reproduction of these insects, they tend to focus, as a rule, on small areas. However, with an increase in the number of locusts, it ceases to be an individual being and turns into a single living organism. Small groups form large flocks, moving in search of food. The length of such a jamb can reach tens of kilometers. For a day, he can cover distances of up to two hundred kilometers, sweeping away all the vegetation on his way. So, one ton of locusts (this is a small part of the pack) can eat as much food per day as ten elephants or 2500 people eat. These insects pose a threat to millions of pastoralists and farmers living in easily vulnerable environments.

Short flash floods and floods

These natural phenomena of nature can occur anywhere after heavy rainfall. Any floodplains of rivers are vulnerable to flooding, and severe storms cause sudden floods. In addition, short-term floods are sometimes even observed after periods of drought, when very heavy rains fall on a hard and dry surface through which the water flow can not seep into the ground. These natural events are characterized by a variety of types: from turbulent small floods and to a powerful layer of water that covers huge areas. They can be caused by tornadoes, strong thunderstorms, monsoons, extratropical and tropical cyclones (their strength can be increased as a result of the El Nino warm current), melting snow and ice jams. In coastal areas, as a result of tsunamis, cyclones or rising water levels in rivers, due to unusually high tides, storm surges often lead to flooding. The reason for the flooding of huge areas below the barrier dams is often the high water in the rivers, which is caused by melting snow.

Other dangerous natural phenomena

1. A muddy (mud) stream or a landslide.

2. Avalanche.

3. Sand / dust storms.

4. Thunderstorms.

5. Lightning.

6. Extreme temperatures.

7. Tornado.

8. Storm with hail.

9. Icy rains.

10. Fires on undeveloped lands or in forests.

11. Heavy snow and rain.

12. Strong winds.

13. Waves of heat.