Environmental Studies: Natural Phenomena

Tropical cyclone in which winds attain speeds greater than 74 mi (119 km) per hr. MORE

Precipitation in liquid form. MORE

Precipitation formed by the sublimation of water vapor into solid crystals at temperatures below freezing. MORE

Trembling or shaking movement of the earth's surface. Most earthquakes are minor tremors. MORE

Series of catastrophic ocean waves generated by submarine movements, which may be caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides beneath the ocean, or an asteroid striking the earth. Tsunamis are also called seismic sea waves or, popularly, tidal waves. MORE

Flow of air relative to the earth's surface. A wind is named according to the point of the compass from which it blows. MORE

Dark, funnel-shaped cloud containing violently rotating air that develops below a heavy cumulonimbus cloud mass and extends toward the earth. MORE

Vents or fissures in the earth's crust through which gases, molten rock, or lava , and solid fragments are discharged. MORE

Phenomenon of the Earth's atmosphere by which solar radiation, trapped by the Earth and re-emitted from the surface as long-wave infrared radiation, is prevented from escaping by various gases (the ‘greenhouse gases’) in the air. MORE

General term for the processes by which the surface of the earth is constantly being worn away. MORE