Understanding Natural
Forces
Forces of Nature - This National Geographic site has links to animated graphics showing how volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes happen.
Savage Earth - PBS and Thirteen/WNET in New York present animated graphics that show the forces that produce earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis.
USGS Home Page - At the United States Geological Survey site, select Science Topics in the top menu bar. Look under Natural Hazards for links to earthquakes, storms, tsunamis and volcanoes. Scroll down "Results" lists for Hazards Program, general information, FAQ, photo, map and history links.
NOAA Home Page - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hosts the National Weather Service. Use the Home Page Menu drop down box to select hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes or volcanoes.
Natural Disasters and Severe Weather - from the Center for Disease Control, there are links for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis and volcanoes. “What You Should Know” pages provide facts about each and tell how to be prepared, and what to do during and after a disaster.
Volcanoes | Earthquakes |Tsunamis | Hurricanes | Tornadoes
Lesson Plans
Volcanoes
Volcanic Violence - Basic explanations from The WhyFiles with photographs, diagrams, and eye witness accounts.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - This USDA Forest Service site links to a review of events and photographs of the famous Washington State Volcano.
Earthquakes
Understanding Quakes - from The WhyFiles, basic explanations, diagrams and photographs of recent disasters.
In pictures: 'our worst disaster' - link to the gallery with this name. There are 25 photos of Pakistan earthquake victims and survivors, from Britain’s Telegraph News.
South Asia: Earthquake - Oct 2005 - Relief Web’s site has the latest updates on conditions for survivors of the quake in Pakistan.
Asia Earthquake - Islamic Relief is dedicated to alleviating the poverty and suffering of the world’s poorest people. This link describes conditions for victims of the 2005 South Asia earthquake.
Tsunamis
Washington Post.com - A graphic map shows the scope of the earthquake and tsunami of December 26th, 2004. Click on the links above the map for death tolls, path of destruction, making of a tsunami, and vivid photographs of the disaster. (There is a lengthy load time for the graphics.)
Asia's Deadly Waves - Developed by The New York Times in December of 2004, this site shows many dimensions of the tsunami tragedy in South Asia. Link to this interactive feature in the Multimedia box on the right. (There is a lengthy load time for photographs, and some sights may be disturbing.)
- Graphics show broad and detailed maps of affected areas
- Hour by Hour animation illustrates the path of the tsunami and the scale of the waves that hit each coast
- Impact and Response Photos let you choose one of the affected countries--India, Thailand, Sri Lanka or Indonesia
- Aid Picture slide show features aid efforts from around the world
USAID: Tsunami Reconstruction - Current updates on relief efforts for natural disasters around the world.
Tsunamis: Warming To A Warning System - The WhyFiles explores the need for a warning system in the Indian Ocean.
Hurricanes
Gulf Hurricanes 2005 - This Newsweek site contains many links providing a picture of the destruction of hurricane Katrina, the plight of New Orleans, and the aftermath of the disaster. Includes exclusive reports, photo galleries, "interactive" guides/maps/photos, and links to articles published September 12, 2005, and in the weeks that followed.
The Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina - The New York Times presents coverage of the cleanup and rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. There are many links to interactive graphics, videos and articles. Some links require (free) registration.
Tornadoes
Nature's Most Violent Storms - A preparedness guide from the
National Severe Storms Laboratory. Site includes photographs, descriptions and statistics.
Tropical Twisters - From NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise—“For Kids Only,” linked pages explain hurricanes, their beginnings and movements, and their dangers.
Lesson Plans
Teacher Connections—Lesson Plans from the New York Times Learning Network - choose from subjects in Current Events, Geography and Science. Browse lists for topics such as Aftershocks (earthquake relief and recovery) | About to Explode (volcanoes) | In the Wake of a Storm (Hurricane Katrina)
New York Times Issues in Depth / "Asia's Deadly Waves" - classroom lesson plans and links for grades 6-12. |
