Category Archives: A Matter of Life or Death
Titanic’s 100th Anniversary: 6 Survivor Stories
The Titanic sank more than 100 years ago, but the tragedy lives on in our hearts and minds. Read about six people who survived the disaster.
Earthquakes, Megaquakes, and the Movies: Lights! Cameras! Disaster!
Tornadoes, ice ages, asteroids, megaquakes, and sometimes angry aliens: Hollywood sure enjoys disasters! Read this article about the differences between Hollywood’s view of earthquakes and the views of the scientific community. Learn the real-world science behind movie myths and mayhem.
Sinkholes: When the Earth Opens Up
Sometimes disasters strike in the strangest of ways. To get a sense of just how strange, take a look at the odd and impressive photographs that accompany this short article on sinkholes. Who’d have thought such a thing could happen—right outside our front doors?
Extreme ‘Rogue Wave’ in The North Pacific Confirmed as Most Extreme on Record
Scientists don’t understand exactly how rogue waves form, but they predict these types of waves will only get bigger.
Shark Attack Survivors Unite to Save Sharks
Imagine barely escaping a shark attack with your life and going on to become an advocate for protecting sharks. It happens more often than you’d think!
Natural Disasters
Visit this site to see stunning photographs, watch informative videos, and read all about natural disasters, including avalanches, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and wildfires.
Heard, Felt, but Barely Seen: How a Volcano Severed Tonga from the World
Read or skim the article for details about the eruption and its fallout.
Tornado Safety
Explore the different tabs on the page to learn about tornadoes and tornado safety.
Ready
Explore this site to find out how to prepare for all kinds of disasters, from drought to winter storms.
UN endorses world’s 1st malaria vaccine as ‘historic moment’
Learn about why this vaccine is so important for children in Africa.
California families relay harrowing escape from Afghanistan
Read about their experiences as they plead for the rescue of those still trapped in Afghanistan.
In pictures: Hurricane Ida devastates Gulf Coast
See images of before, during, and after the storm.
Monsoon Season
Read about what monsoons are, where they occur, and what you can do to stay safe during the season.
Global Climate Change Interactive Features
Fly along NASA satellites, go backwards and forwards in time, and so much more using these climate change interactive features available from NASA.
How Search-and-Rescue Dogs Work
Learn about how a variation on a game of “fetch” can save lives.
Masks and gloves are saving lives—and causing pollution
Clean-up volunteers and scientists question what can be done to address the increase in disposable masks and gloves littering land and oceans.
Suez Canal reopens after giant stranded ship is freed
Watch the short video and skim the article and images to find out more about what it took to get a giant container unstuck in Egypt’s Suez Canal.
What to do if you’re in the middle of a power outage
This year’s winter season has been particularly brutal for many Americans. Watch the short video and read the article that follows about best practices for surviving the cold.
Dogs ease pandemic isolation for nursing home residents
Most nursing homes haven’t been admitting visitors during the pandemic. Dogs have become a welcomed distraction to lift elderly peoples’ spirits while they remain isolated.