Natural phenomena are ordinary, sometimes even supernatural climatic and meteorological events that occur naturally in all corners of the planet. It can be snow or rain familiar from childhood, or it can be incredible destructive volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. If such events take place away from the person and do not cause him material damage, they are considered not important. No one will focus on this. Otherwise, dangerous natural phenomena are considered by mankind as natural disasters.
Research and observation
People began to study the characteristic natural phenomena in ancient times. However, it was possible to systematize these observations only in the 17th century; even a separate branch of science (natural sciences) was formed that studies these events. However, despite many scientific discoveries, to this day, some natural phenomena and processes remain poorly understood. Most often, we see the consequence of a particular event, and we can only guess and build various theories about the root causes. Researchers in many countries are working on forecasting the occurrence, and most importantly, of preventing their possible occurrence or at least reducing the damage caused by natural phenomena. And nevertheless, despite all the destructive power of such processes, a person always remains a person and seeks to find something beautiful, sublime in it. Which natural phenomenon is most mesmerizing? They can be listed for a long time, but, perhaps, it should be noted such as volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, tsunamis - they are all beautiful, despite the destruction and chaos that remain after them.
Weather phenomena
Natural phenomena characterize the weather with its seasonal changes. Each season is distinguished by its own set of events. So, for example, in spring, the following weather phenomena are observed: snowmelt, flood, thunderstorms, clouds, wind, rains. 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, rainbow; but can be severe: thunderstorms, hail. In autumn, weather conditions change, the temperature drops, the days become cloudy, with rains. During this period, the following phenomena prevail: fogs, leaf fall, hoarfrost, and the first snow. In winter, the plant world falls asleep, some animals go into hibernation. The most common natural phenomena are: freezing, blizzard, blizzard, snow, frosty patterns appear on the windows.
All these events are commonplace 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 some time.
Natural hazards
These are extreme and severe climatic and meteorological processes that occur in all parts of the world, however, some regions are considered more vulnerable to a certain kind of events compared to others. Natural hazards become disasters when infrastructure is destroyed and people die. These losses are the main obstacles to the development of mankind. It is almost impossible to prevent such cataclysms, only timely forecasting of events remains with the aim of avoiding victims and material damage.
However, the difficulty lies in the fact that dangerous natural phenomena can occur at different scales and at different times. In fact, each of them is unique in its own way, and therefore it is very difficult to predict it. For example, flash floods and tornadoes are destructive, but short-lived events affecting relatively small areas. Other dangerous disasters, such as droughts, can develop very slowly, but affect entire continents and the entire population. Such disasters last for several months, and sometimes years. In order to control and predict these events, some national hydrological and meteorological services and special specialized centers have been assigned the task of studying dangerous geophysical phenomena. This includes volcanic eruptions, ash transport through the air, tsunamis, radioactive, biological, chemical pollution, etc.
Now let us consider in more detail some natural phenomena.
Drought
The main reason for this disaster is the lack of rainfall. Drought is very different from other natural disasters in its slow development, often its beginning is hidden by various factors. In world history, even cases have been recorded when this disaster lasted for many years. Drought often has terrifying consequences: first, water sources (streams, rivers, lakes, springs) dry up, many crops stop growing, then animals die, widespread realities become poor health and malnutrition.
Tropical cyclones
These natural phenomena are 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) of kilometers across. The speed of surface winds in the tropical cyclone zone can reach two hundred kilometers per hour and even more. The interaction of low pressure and waves caused by the wind often leads to coastal storm surges - this is a huge amount of water being washed ashore with tremendous force and high speed, which all wash away on its way.
Air pollution
These natural phenomena occur as a result of the accumulation of harmful gases or particles of substances in the air resulting from cataclysms (volcanic eruptions, fires) and human activities (industrial enterprises, vehicles, etc.). Darkness and smoke appear as a result of fires on undeveloped lands and forests, as well as the burning of crop residues and logging; in addition, due to the formation of volcanic ash. These air polluting elements have very serious consequences for the human body. As a result of such disasters, visibility is reduced, interruptions in the operation of road and air transport occur.
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 usually focus on small areas. However, with an increase in the number of locusts ceases to be an individual being and turns into a single living organism. Huge flocks are formed from small groups, moving in search of food. The length of such a jamb can reach tens of kilometers. In a day, he can cover distances of up to two hundred kilometers, sweeping away all the vegetation in its path. 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 vulnerable environments.
Short-term torrential floods and floods
These natural phenomena can occur anywhere after heavy rainfall. Any river floodplains are vulnerable to flooding, and severe storms cause flash 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 a water stream cannot seep into the ground. These natural events are characterized by a wide variety of species: from rapid small floods to a thick layer of water that covers vast territories. They can be caused by tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, monsoons, extratropical and tropical cyclones (their strength can be increased as a result of exposure to the warm El Niño Current), melting snow and ice jams. In coastal areas, tsunamis, cyclones or rising water levels in rivers, due to unusually high tides, storm surges often lead to flooding. The flooding of vast territories below the barrage dams is often caused by floods in rivers caused by melting snow.
