Natural Phenomena

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What is a natural phenomenon?

A natural phenomenon is a non-man-made event that can be observed in the natural world.

Can you name three common natural phenomena?

Three common natural phenomena are rain, earthquakes, and lightning.

What causes earthquakes?

Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface.

How does lightning occur?

Lightning occurs when electrical charges build up in a thunderstorm cloud and are released as a bolt of electricity.

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a large, swirling storm system with strong winds and heavy rain, usually found over warm ocean waters.

How do volcanoes form?

Volcanoes form when magma from within the Earth's mantle escapes to the surface, often through a crack in the Earth's crust.

What is a tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by an underwater earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide.

Why do we see rainbows?

Rainbows occur when sunlight is refracted, or bent, as it enters a raindrop, reflects off the inside surface, and then refracts again as it exits.

What causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field.

What is a drought?

A drought is a prolonged period of dry weather, leading to a shortage of water resources.

How is hail different from snow?

Hail is made of layers of ice and forms during thunderstorms, while snow is ice crystals that form in colder temperatures.

What happens during a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking out the sun's light temporarily.

What is fog and how does it form?

Fog is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets close to the ground, formed when air cools and reaches its dew point.

Why are some areas more prone to earthquakes?

Areas near tectonic plate boundaries, like the Pacific Ring of Fire, are more prone to earthquakes due to plate interactions.

What is the role of ocean currents in climate?

Ocean currents help regulate the Earth's climate by distributing heat and nutrients around the globe.