Earth hazards

Discovering Geology

Lava Flows at Nabro Volcano, Eritrea

Natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides can occur without warning and cause damage to health, homes and livelihoods. The Earth beneath our feet is constantly shifting and moving, sometimes ever so slowly, but sometimes swiftly and violently with catastrophic and immediate results. We are living on an active planet and we can’t stop these events occurring, but learning more about why, how and where they happen can help us to be more prepared.

Explore earth hazards

A white, four storey building in Izmit, Turkey, leans at a dangerous angle due to an earthquake. There is a road next to it with other buildings that are not affected.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are among the most deadly natural hazards. They strike without warning and many earthquake zones coincide with areas of high population density.

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Plymouth, Montserrat. Mud flow deposits at clocktower.

Volcanoes

We have a team of volcanologists that works on various research projects in locations around the world to help governments and local people to understand volcano behaviour.

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Debris flow on A83

Understanding landslides

What is a landslide? Why do landslides happen? How to classify a landslide. Landslides in the UK and around the world.

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Solution sinkhole South Wales

Understanding sinkholes and karst

Sinkholes are hollows that are the result of some kind of collapse of an underlying layer of rock.

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Discovering Geology

Discovering Geology introduces a range of geoscience topics to school-age students and learners of all ages.

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Multi-hazards and resilience

We work with partners worldwide to enhance understanding of hazards, vulnerability, exposure and risk to ensure our science is useful, usable and used.

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Earth hazards resources

Make a volcano model or work through some classroom activities that introduce P- and S- waves, earthquake seismology and marsquakes.

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