We explain what natural phenomena are, their causes, classification and examples. Also, what are natural disasters.
What are natural phenomena?
A natural phenomenon It is a change event that occurs in nature in whose origin the human being has little or nothing to do. This can range from a recurring, everyday event to a fortuitous, surprising or catastrophic one. In the latter case, the term can also be used natural disaster.
natural phenomena are due to laws, elements and processes that govern the natural world, independent of human beings. However, the latter affects them through their manipulation and adulteration of the environment (pollution).
Therefore, in a certain way the line between completely natural phenomena and phenomena for which human beings have part of the responsibility is not always easy to draw. Furthermore, natural phenomena can have positive or negative impacts on human life.
See also: Environmental problems
Classification of natural phenomena
Generally, natural phenomena are classified according to the specific area of nature in which they occur, as follows:
- Astronomical phenomena Those that occur in the outer space of the planet, such as meteor showers and eclipses (either solar eclipses or lunar eclipses).
- Atmospheric phenomena Those that take place in the layer of gases that covers the surface of the planet, either in the layers closest to it (such as the wind) or in the upper layers (such as the ozone layer).
- Geological phenomena Those that have to do with the movement of tectonic plates, volcanic activity and other internal processes on the planet's surface. An example of this are earthquakes.
- Hydrological phenomena Those that are related to water in its different places, facets and routes, from simple rain to ocean tides.
- Biological phenomena Also called ecological, they are those that concern other species of living beings, excluding human beings, whether animals, plants or other types. Extinctions, migrations, are possible examples of this.
Examples of natural phenomena
Examples of natural phenomena abound. Rain, winds, seasons, flowering of plants, storm seasons, ocean tides or meteorites They are perfect examples of natural phenomena that occur daily on our planet and that often go unnoticed.
In other cases, however, they tend to arouse our interest or fascination, as in the case of the northern lights, or the mating migrations of penguins.
Video: Boats in the most impressive storms
Natural disasters
Natural disasters, as we said before, are dramatic natural phenomena that have a violent and negative impact on human life which could cause human and material losses. Some are more predictable than others and some are easier to resist, but in general they can be very varied in nature.
Some examples of natural disasters are earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tropical storms, floods or droughts, and meteorite impacts, such as the one that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs millions of years ago.
In video: The most incredible natural disasters
References
- “Natural phenomenon” in Wikipedia.
- “Natural disaster” on Wikipedia.
- “Natural phenomena” in SOS Alerta.
- “What are natural phenomena?” in I take care of myself.
- “Natural phenomena. Do you know what phenomenon you are exposed to?” (video) in ChemaTierra.
