In the early hours of December 19, 2023, a dramatic spectacle unfolded in the Icelandic landscape near Grindavik, as a long-dormant volcano roared back to life, unleashing its fury in a powerful eruption. The volcanic activity originated from a massive fissure spanning a staggering 4 kilometers in length, tearing through the earth's surface with raw intensity. The eruption sent plumes of ash and smoke billowing into the crisp Arctic air, casting an ominous shadow over the serene surroundings of Grindavik.
The slow awakening of the Fagradalsfjall volcano prompted swift responses from local authorities and emergency services, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of nearby residents and visitors. Evacuation procedures were initiated, and a state of alert spread throughout the region. The lava flow, molten and relentless, carved a fiery path through the Icelandic landscape, leaving in its wake a stark reminder of the Earth's powerful and unpredictable forces. Scientists and geologists from around the world converged on the area, eager to study this rare event and gain insights into the volatile geology of the region.
The eruption not only posed a threat to human habitation but also brought attention to the delicate balance between natural beauty and the potential dangers lurking beneath the Earth's surface. The incident highlighted the resilience of Icelandic communities and their ability to adapt in the face of nature's ferocity. As the volcano continued to paint the sky with its fiery display, the world watched with a mix of awe and concern, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and preparedness in the face of such natural phenomena.
French Astronaut Thomas Pesquet recorded the northern lights from space.
He filmed this spectacular timelapse of the polar lights from out of a window on the International Space Station, whilst being on mission.
Although sometimes elusive when viewed from Earth, the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights are clearly visible from the ISS. And shed a totally different view on their appearance.
The view from the International Space Station (ISS) is already awe-inspiring, with the blue and green planet Earth stretching out for miles in every direction. But for lucky astronauts on board during the right time of year, an even more spectacular sight can be witnessed: the aurora borealis, or polar lights. This natural phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere, creating a colorful display of light that dances across the sky. From the ISS, the polar lights are visible in a way that can only be described as otherworldly. The station's vantage point, some 250 miles above Earth's surface, allows astronauts to witness the aurora from a perspective that few people on the planet ever get to experience.
As the ISS orbits the Earth every 90 minutes, its crew has the opportunity to witness multiple auroras in a single day. With its panoramic view, the station's Cupola module provides an especially breathtaking vantage point for viewing the polar lights. From this observation deck, the aurora appears as a vivid green and pink ribbon, twisting and turning across the sky. The effect is so stunning that it can be hard for astronauts to tear themselves away from the viewfinder. Indeed, many ISS crew members have described watching the aurora from space as one of the most unforgettable experiences of their lives. The beauty and majesty of the polar lights, as seen from the ISS, serves as a powerful reminder of the natural wonders that exist beyond our planet's atmosphere.
The floods in Germany had catastrophic consequences, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. The region experienced torrential rainfall that exceeded three months' worth of precipitation in just a short span of time, leading to overwhelming volumes of water cascading down.
Streets were abruptly swept away by the relentless rain and the subsequent floods, a vivid reminder of nature's raw and untamed power. Many experts point to global warming as a key factor contributing to this devastating event.
Watch this gripping short BBC documentary on the 2021 floods in Germany:
Fagradalsfjall is a well-known shield volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 40 kilometres south-west of Reykjavík.
In March 2021, the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland erupted, sending molten lava spewing into the air and creating a fiery spectacle that drew visitors from around the world. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just a short drive from the capital city of Reykjavik, the Fagradalsfjall eruption was the first in the area in over 800 years, making it a rare and exciting event for geologists and volcano enthusiasts alike. As the lava flowed down the mountainside and into the valley below, it created a breathtaking display of natural power and beauty that left onlookers in awe.
The Fagradalsfjall eruption was not only visually stunning, but it also provided a unique opportunity for scientists to study volcanic activity up close. With its location easily accessible to researchers, the eruption offered a chance to gather valuable data about the mechanics of volcanic eruptions and how they affect the surrounding environment. For the local community, the eruption was both a source of fascination and concern, as it threatened nearby infrastructure and raised questions about the safety of living in a volcanic region. Despite these concerns, however, the Fagradalsfjall eruption proved to be an unforgettable event that highlighted the beauty and power of nature in all its glory.
It started erupting on 19 March 2021. On April 5th, a new fissure northeast of the eruption of around 100 and 500 metres opened and the eruption keeps spreading. This new fissure opened in an area where old fissures were recently seen to have moved. Just a few hours later, another eruption fissure opened parallel to the first on the slopes of the Fagradalsfjall volcano.
The basalt lava, with low silica levels, was around 800 and 1.000 degrees Celsius. The lava is runny, causing the lava at Fagradalsfjall to be easy to avoid and is therefore fairly approachable. But caution is still needed and don't go playing volleyball 1 meter away from the active lava flow...
Watch this mesmerizing timelapse of the first 2 weeks of the Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption:
A rather large landslide happened on November 2nd 2019 in Northwest Iceland. At Ketubjörg cliffs in Northwest Iceland, a landslide deposited thousands of tons of earth into the ocean. There was no threat of a tsunami.
In 2019, the Ketubjörg cliff collapse in Iceland stunned onlookers and sent shockwaves through the scientific community. The collapse, which occurred on the country's western coast, saw nearly 50 million cubic meters of rock slide into the ocean, creating a massive wave that raced across the sea. The event was caught on camera by several witnesses, with footage showing the terrifying power of the landslide and the huge plume of dust and debris that rose into the air. The Ketubjörg cliff collapse was a stark reminder of the fragility of the Earth's natural structures and the immense power of geological events that can occur with little warning, leaving a lasting impact on those who witnessed it.
Ketubjörg cliffs are located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Sauðárkrókur on the Skagi Peninsula. Since early 2015, a fissure appeared in the cliffs. The fissure began forming after an ice dam developed, making water from a creek to seep into the porous palagonite, causing part of it to gradually break off from the rest. This is the slow process that water and ice can create over time.
Eventually, the spacing between the cliff and the island grew into 3 metres (10 feet) wide. After the landslide, the free standing 65 metres (212 feet) high cliff turned into a large pile of soil, of around 20 metres (66 feet) high. The exact timing of the landslide is not known, but the cliff has been monitored since the crevice formed. The rock was still in place on Friday afternoon, but there are indications that the landslide occurred around noon on Saturday, based on seismic activity, registered at seismographs at a 9 kilometres (6 miles) distance.
A Gurgling Mud Pool Is Creeping Across Southern California
The Niland Geyser first appeared in 1953, and sat around without incident for decades. Then, around 11 years ago, things shifted. The geyser started moving across dry ground at a glacial pace. The Niland Geyser got dubbed the 'Slow One', but is not less dangerous.
Now, things have gotten more serious - in the last six months, that pace has picked up considerably. In a few months, the Niland Geyser travelled 18.3 metres.
Then, it travelled another 18 metres, now in a single day. Creeping closely to Union Pacific's railway tracks to Yuma (Arizona), the State Route 111 to the Mexican border, a petroleum pipeline and fibre optic telecommunications lines. Overall, this bubbling puddle has moved roughly 73 metres from where it was a decade ago.
Attempts to stop the geyser have not worked. For instance, officials tried draining some of the moving spring's water. And Union Pacific built a 30 meters underground wall out of boulders and steel that extends more than 23 meter deep as a measure to protect the railroad tracks. For now Union Pacific has taken precautions by building temporary tracks on more-stable land and lowering the speed limit for trains in the area. The California Department of Transportation said it will shut down part of Highway 111 if the gurgling mud gets too close for comfort.
The Niland Mud Geyser in California is a mesmerizing and mystifying natural wonder that has captivated visitors for years. The geyser, which spews mud and steam into the air, is a product of the region's unique geothermal activity, and has been active on and off for decades. However, in 2020, the geyser suddenly and dramatically increased in size, shooting mud and debris up to 125 feet into the air and drawing crowds of curious onlookers to witness the spectacle. While the cause of the sudden increase in activity remains unknown, the Niland Mud Geyser serves as a fascinating reminder of the raw power and unpredictability of nature, and continues to inspire awe and wonder in those who venture to witness it.
For now, the spring is acting more like a moving sinkhole, with mud about 12 meters deep. As it moves through the region's mudstone (a soft, sedimentary rock), it leaves behind a sunken trail, much like the glossy path left behind a moving snail.
North-America experienced one of the coldest weekends around New Year 2018 as the Niagara Falls has frozen over and sharks froze to death in the Atlantic. The US was captured by an arctic blast of air that kept temperatures below freezing and brought record cold to some cities. Still more snow was expected after the videos below were shot, with temperatures hovering between 8 degrees and 21 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service. Wind chills bring temperatures to below zero degrees.
In early 2018, Niagara Falls, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders, underwent a stunning transformation when it froze over during a particularly harsh winter. The falls, located on the border of the United States and Canada, are a popular tourist destination all year round, but the frozen spectacle drew visitors from far and wide to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event. The freezing of the falls was caused by a combination of frigid temperatures and powerful winds, which created ice formations and icy mist that coated the surrounding landscape in a sparkling sheen. The sight of Niagara Falls frozen in time was a breathtaking reminder of the awe-inspiring power of nature and its ability to create beauty in even the most unexpected of ways.
Temperatures across the province dropped to record lows last month, as frigid air continues to hover over the region for longer than expected.
Global News meteorologist Ross Hull explained that 2018 has been the coldest Jan. 1 on record in the Niagara Falls area, with temperatures dipping below -26 C.
Niagara Falls is the name for three waterfalls on the international border between Canada and the United States. The average flow rate is an impressive 2,400 cubic metres per second.
Hurricane Irma, with its sustained winds of 300 km/h (185 mph) and gusting winds up to 360 km/h (225 mph), is the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Wilma of 2005, if one would consider maximum sustained winds as the criteria.
Irma is the strongest in terms of pressure since Dean in 2007. And the most extreme to make landfall anywhere in the Atlantic since Felix in 2007.
It affected the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, The Bahamas, Cuba and the Southeastern United States.
It developed on August 30 East of the Cape Verde Islands from a tropical wave that had moved off the west African coast two days prior, which makes it a typical Cape Verde hurricane. It is the ninth named storm, fourth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season.
While millions of people on the ground were struggling to cope with the storm's aftermath, astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) had a unique perspective on the event. From their vantage point some 400 kilometers (250 miles) above the Earth's surface, they were able to witness the storm's full scale and power, with winds gusting up to 300 k;/h (185 mph) and rain lashing the landscape below. The storm's massive size and destructive force were clearly visible from the ISS, and the crew's images of the storm helped meteorologists on the ground to track and understand its movements, potentially saving countless lives.
The images captured by ISS astronauts during Hurricane Irma were not only of practical use, but also served as a stark reminder of the raw power of nature. From the safety of the space station, crew members watched in awe as the storm wreaked havoc on the ground, leaving entire communities in ruins and causing billions of dollars in damage. The sight of the storm from space was both beautiful and terrifying, highlighting the fragility of our planet in the face of extreme weather events, and the urgent need for us to take action to protect ourselves and our environment from their devastating effects.
Here is a video of Hurricane Irma as seen from the International Space Station (ISS)
Affected Islands:
Antigua
Barbuda
British Virgin Islands
Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico Saba Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten
The Bahamas
Turks and Caicos Islands
2016's typhoon season in the Western Pacific Ocean started three months late, but it didn't miss its start...
The first typhoon Nepartak jumped right to the top of the category scale. Typhoon Nepartak developed into a gigantic Category 5 Super Typhoon before making landfall in Taiwan.
Japan's National Institute of Informatics has compiled a series of images from Japan's Himawari-8 satellite. It recorded typhoon Nepartak right from the start as a tropical depression on July 2 until it developed over 3 days into a storm with 175 mph winds.
See below how this powerful storm formed and swirled into a typhoon. Check the bright white bubbles, that appear to be boiling up from the ocean. These are powerful thunderstorms racing to the top of the troposphere as the storm develops and eventually the storm begins to spin into the tell-tale typhoon with a strong eye wall and deep eye:
Video footage of an epic lightning storm over Hong Kong. Until 2am, after the storm arrived at midnight, there were 5,153 lighting strokes recorded. That is an average of 43 lightning strokes per minute...
Hong Kong was struck by an extreme storm, lasting for a good 12 hours with over 10,000 lightning strokes. The storm in Hong Kong on the 9th and 10th of July 2016 more than doubled the previous record of 9,966 lightning strokes in 24 hours.
Saturday the 9th of July 2016 was the hottest day recorded since 1968 in Hong Kong with 37°C.
This is the first 360° YouTube video capturing a tornado from incredibly close proximity.
The tornado made landfall in Wray, Colorado, early on the morning of Saturday, May 7th. While most people would take cover or evacuate, this storm chaser did the opposite. Armed with a 360° camera, they recorded the dramatic passage of the tornado, offering an immersive experience like never before.
Typically, storm chasers capture these terrifying events with conventional cameras, but the use of a 360° camera allows viewers to see the entire scene unfold in all directions. This unprecedented approach brings a whole new dimension to storm chasing, giving audiences the feeling of being right there, surrounded by the force of nature.
Such advancements in video technology could signify a shift in how we document extreme weather and other significant events. With 360° videos, journalism might evolve into a more immersive and interactive experience, changing the way stories are told and consumed. The ability to virtually "step into" a moment of danger or historical significance may not just engage viewers but offer a more powerful understanding of the event itself.
A drone captured a raging mudslide rolling down California Valley on October 15, 2015
Mudflows are a very rapid surging flow of debris that has become partially or fully liquified by the addition of significant amounts of water to the source material. This water can come from heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or high levels of ground water flowing through cracked bedrock.
Areas at risk of a dangerous mudflow are areas where vegetation is destroyed due to wildfire or human interaction, areas where landslides have happened before, steep slopes and areas at the bottom of slopes or canyons.
Ever wondered what a solar eclipse looks like from 35,000 feet? On March 8, 2016, Alaska Airlines delayed flight #870 from Anchorage to Honolulu by 25 minutes, giving passengers the rare opportunity to witness the solar eclipse from high above the clouds.
The person recording the event couldn't contain their excitement, and it's easy to see why. The view from that altitude is nothing short of breathtaking—an extraordinary spectacle that few people ever get the chance to experience.
A breathtaking lightning show has been captured by a British astronaut from orbit. Tim Peake, aboard the International Space Station (ISS), shared a stunning timelapse video showcasing the raw power and beauty of Earth’s atmosphere in turmoil. The video provides a crystal-clear, high-definition view of lightning storms as seen from space, offering a unique perspective that few people ever witness.
From the vantage point of the ISS, 250 miles above the Earth, Peake’s video highlights the volatility of our atmosphere, with lightning flashing in rapid succession across vast distances. What would typically be seen as brief, localized flashes of light from the ground transform into a mesmerizing, planet-wide spectacle when viewed from space. The sprawling lightning storms reveal the interconnectedness of weather systems on Earth, and how such events unfold on a global scale.
This footage underscores not only the beauty of nature but also the importance of space exploration in helping us better understand our own planet. High-definition videos like these allow scientists to study weather patterns and atmospheric phenomena in ways that weren't possible before. They also offer the public a rare glimpse of Earth's natural wonders from an entirely new angle—reminding us of the fragility and power of the environment we live in.
Live footage during storm Gertrude on the North Sea on a boat. Gertrude was the first named storm of 2016. It was a deepening area of low pressure close to parts of Scotland and northern England on the night of 29 January, accompanied by a powerful jet stream from the Atlantic. It brought rain and strong winds. A gust of 132mph was recorded at the top of Cairngorm, as the storm caused over 10.000 power cuts and travel disruption.
Why do the UK and Ireland name storms?
'Name our storms' is the pilot project between the Met Office (UK) and Met Eirann (Ireland) which aims to increase awareness of severe weather and ensure greater safety of the public. Over the course of Autumn/Winter 2015 wind storms with the potential to affect the UK and/or Ireland will be given a name to help effective communication of the storm and its impacts.
The chosen names for the storms are: Abigail, Barney, Clodagh, Desmond, Eva, Frank, Gertrude, Henry, Imogen, Jake, Katie, Lawrence, Mary, Nigel, Orla, Phil, Rhonda, Steve, Tegan, Vernon, Wendy.
Check the video with the storm footage on the boat:
Live footage captured the devastating earthquake that struck opposite Kathmandu Mall on April 25, 2015. With a staggering magnitude of 8.1Ms, this earthquake unleashed destruction across Nepal, leaving a trail of damage estimated at around $5 billion—an amount equivalent to roughly one-quarter of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The seismic event was one of the most powerful to hit the region in decades, causing widespread loss of life and reducing buildings to rubble in mere moments.
In addition to the immense human and infrastructural toll, the earthquake also triggered remarkable geological changes. It is believed that the tremor caused the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest, to shift three centimeters to the southwest. This slight movement serves as a reminder of the incredible forces at play beneath the Earth's surface, forces that have the power to reshape entire landscapes in seconds. For a country like Nepal, where towering mountains and deep valleys are integral to both its identity and economy, these shifts highlight the vulnerability of the region to such natural disasters.
The 2015 Nepal earthquake also sparked a global response, with humanitarian aid flowing in from countries and organizations worldwide. Recovery and rebuilding efforts continue to this day, as Nepal strives to restore what was lost and strengthen its resilience against future seismic events. The earthquake serves as a sobering example of how fragile human civilization can be in the face of natural forces, but it also underscores the importance of preparedness, scientific research, and international cooperation in minimizing the impact of such disasters.
Its is believed that the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest, moved three centimetres to the southwest because of the Nepal earthquake.
Check the video with the live footage of the earthquake:
The Villarrica volcano in southern Chile erupted at 3am Local Time (06:00 GMT) on Tuesday 3 March.
It was spewing ash and lava up to 1,000m (3,300ft) into the air. Since February 6th, 2015, the volcano showed some increased activity again triggering yellow alarms. Villarrica is one of the most active volcanos of Chile. Its last full eruption dates back from December 29 1971.
The area around the volcano has been evacuated, 3,385 people have been evicted. The mayor of the nearby town of Pucon said residents had left "calmly".
The Villarrica volcano is 2,860m (9,380 ft) high with a prominence of 1,575 m (5,167 ft) and has a lava lake in its crater.
It is a popular destination for hikers. Hundreds climb the peak each summer to peer inside the crater.
Check the video that has been made of the nightly eruption:
NOAA's climate.gov recently shared a compelling animation depicting the winter ice pack in the Arctic, based on research data from the University of Colorado. Historically, the Arctic's winter ice pack was characterized by its dominance of old, thick ice. This resilient ice, formed over multiple winters, played a crucial role in maintaining the region's climate and ecosystem stability.
However, the animation starkly reveals a dramatic shift. Today, very little of the old ice remains. The visual representation spans from 1987 to the end of October 2014, illustrating a significant reduction in the age and thickness of Arctic sea ice. The animation uses color-coded maps to distinguish between different ice age classes: Age class 1 represents "first-year ice," which forms during the most recent winter, while the oldest ice, over nine years old, is markedly scarce.
This transformation highlights a concerning trend in Arctic ice dynamics. The reduction in older, thicker ice not only affects local ecosystems but also has broader implications for global climate patterns. The loss of this long-standing ice alters heat absorption rates, impacts marine habitats, and accelerates the overall warming of the Arctic region. As the ice pack continues to change, these animations serve as a critical tool for understanding and addressing the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Experience the thrill of soaring through the sky with an eagle, thanks to a high-definition GoPro camera mounted on its back. This stunning footage offers a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscape below, capturing the eagle’s perspective as it glides near the Mer de Glace glacier in Chamonix. Located on the northern slopes of the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps, Mer de Glace is France's longest glacier.
Stretching an impressive 7 kilometers in length and reaching depths of 200 meters, the Mer de Glace is a spectacular sight. The camera provides a unique vantage point, allowing viewers to appreciate the glacier’s sheer scale and the rugged beauty of the surrounding alpine terrain from the eagle’s perspective.
This innovative approach to wildlife and landscape photography not only offers a mesmerizing visual experience but also enhances our understanding of the natural world. By flying alongside an eagle, we gain insight into its natural habitat and the breathtaking scenery of one of Europe’s most iconic glaciers, all while highlighting the need to preserve these magnificent natural environments.
Massive sinkhole in Louisiana caused by a collapsed mine. The giant sinkhole swallows trees in Assumption Parish, Louisiana
In 2013, a massive sinkhole in Louisiana swallowed entire trees and buildings, leaving a gaping hole in the earth that grew larger by the day. The sinkhole, which was caused by a collapsed salt mine, formed in the Bayou Corne area of Louisiana and quickly became a symbol of the power and unpredictability of natural disasters. The hole grew to over 25 acres in size and was over 750 feet deep, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate and leaving a landscape that looked like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie.
The sinkhole in Louisiana was a reminder of the constant threat that natural disasters pose to our communities and our way of life. As residents were forced to flee their homes and businesses, the sinkhole served as a haunting reminder of the fragility of our planet and the need for us to take action to protect ourselves and our environment. While the hole was eventually filled and the immediate danger passed, the memory of the sinkhole in Louisiana lives on as a testament to the power of nature and the need for us to work together to prepare for and respond to the challenges that lie ahead.
