# data[].attributes.body
Last half-term we explored the different groups we could show responsibility towards. These included:
- friends
- family
- classmates
- community (Dubai, UAE, worldwide)

We also discussed how we could show responsibility towards Planet Earth. We explored a number of environmental issues our planet is currently facing:
- depletion of natural resources
- diseases caused by pollution
- scarcity of fresh water
- desertification
- global warming

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Storm Daniel Causes Deadly Floods In Libya

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In early September 2023, parts of the Mediterranean and Libya were struck by one of the deadliest and costliest tropical-like cyclones in recorded history. Storm Daniel brought torrential rains in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria on September 5th and 6th before slamming down on Libya on September 10th.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How Volcanoes Form

In 1980 in Washington, after 123 years of hibernation, Mount St. Helens erupted. The blast destroyed and scorched 230 square miles (370 square kilometers) of forest within minutes. The eruption released an avalanche of hot ash, gas, steam, and rocks that mowed down giant trees up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) away.

When magma finds a way to escape from beneath the earth's surface, it creates a volcano.

Volcanoes erupt in different ways. Some, like Mount St. Helens, explode. Explosive eruptions are so powerful, they can shoot particles 20 miles up (32 kilometers), hurl 8-ton boulders more than a half mile (0.8 kilometers) away, and cause massive landslides. Explosive eruptions also create an avalanche of hot volcanic debris, ash, and gas that bulldozes everything in its path. Explosive volcanoes cause most of the volcano-related fatalities.

Volcanoes, like Mauna Loa in Hawaii, are effusive. Rather than a violent explosion, lava pours or flows out. Fatalities from effusive volcanoes are rare because people can usually outrun the lava. However, some people get too close or become trapped with no escape. The flowing lava burns, melts, and destroys everything it touches including farms, houses, and roads.

A volcanic eruption forever changes the landscape. Though volcanoes destroy, they also create mountains, islands, and, eventually, incredibly fertile land.

Carpet of Ash

Volcanic eruptions can cause damage hundreds of miles away. Volcanic ash causes airplane engines to fail, destroys crops, contaminates water, and damages electronics and machinery. The ash carpets the ground, burying everything, sometimes even causing buildings to collapse. Mount St. Helens produced more than 490 tons of ash that fell over a 22,000 square mile (56,980 square kilometer) area and caused problems in cities 370 miles (600 kilometers) away.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When magma finds a way to escape from beneath the earth's surface, it creates a volcano.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You feel the ground suddenly shake, and nearby objects are trembling. An earthquake is happening.

Also called a temblor, an earthquake is caused by the movement of parts of the Earth's crust, its outermost layer. They happen millions of times a year, but most are so small people don't even feel them.

But powerful earthquakes can cause landslides, tsunamis, flooding, and other dangerous events. Most damage and deaths happen in places where a lot of people live, because the shaking causes windows to break, structures to collapse, fire to break out, and other dangers.

Learn more about these unpredictable Earth tremors-and what to do if one rattles near you.

How earthquakes develop

The action all starts thousands of miles below your feet.

Picture Earth as a hard-boiled egg: Earth's core is the yolk, and the mantle is the white part. The outer crust is the eggshell.

People live on the surface of the crust. Below the surface-but still within the crust-are tectonic plates. Like gigantic puzzle pieces, these huge slabs of rock encircle the Earth. The seven major plates are named for the regions they rest under: the African, Antarctic, Eurasian, Indo-Australian, North American, Pacific, and South American tectonic plates

Tectonic plates aren't connected but are close together. Where they meet along their edges is called a fault. When heat from the Earth's core creates currents in the crust, the tectonic plates can scrape, bump, or drag along each other. This is what causes an earthquake-and why the surface sometimes cracks like an eggshell.

How to measure earthquakes

About a half-million quakes rock the Earth every day. Usually the quake is too small, too far below the surface, or too deep in the seafloor to be felt. Some, however, are so powerful they can be felt thousands of miles away.

The spot on the surface just above where an earthquake starts is called the epicenter. Ripples called seismic waves travel out from the epicenter. This causes vibrations that people can feel, sometimes very far from the epicenter.

How far away people can feel an earthquake's vibrations depends on its size, or magnitude. Scientists base the magnitude on the strength and duration of the quake's seismic waves. The higher the number, the more powerful the earthquake: A magnitude 3 to 4.9 earthquake is considered minor; 5 to 6.9 is moderate to strong; 7 to 7.9 is major; and 8 or more is an extremely powerful temblor.

As the crust settles after an earthquake, another temblor called an aftershock can happen. Usually, aftershocks are not as powerful as the first quake but can still be very strong.

Geologists can't predict earthquakes. But they're working to change that with new research and technology.

Where earthquakes happen

Earthquakes occur along faults, the areas where tectonic plates meet. About 80 percent of earthquakes occur along the rim of the Pacific Ocean. Called the Ring of Fire because of the large number of volcanoes there, the area is a meeting point for many tectonic plates.

Earthquakes are also common in California because the region sits on top of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Temblors happen when these two plates grind against each other. About two-thirds of this movement happens along the San Andreas Fault.

Another major earthquake area in the United States is the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which affects Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois.

How to survive an earthquake

Earthquakes can happen anytime or anywhere-even if you don't live near a fault. So it's a good idea to prepare.

* Talk with your family about the safest places in your home in case an earthquake hits. This could be under a sturdy table or next to an interior wall (one that is not connected to the outside).

* Look for heavy items that could fall or break during a quake, and move them to safer spots.

* Ask your parents to make sure you have an emergency kit containing things like first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, and a battery-operated radio. Your family should also have enough food and water for at least 72 hours

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: Most earthquakes last only 10 to 30 seconds, so it's important to get to a safe place fast. Remember three things during an earthquake: drop, cover, and hold on.

Drop: Get down on your hands and knees and crawl to your shelter.

Cover: Underneath a sturdy table, desk, or bed, cover your head and neck with your arms. If furniture isn't nearby, crouch down on your knees with your arms over your head and neck next to an interior wall. (Don't stand under a doorway-they can easily collapse.)

Hold on: If you're under a piece of furniture, hold on with one hand and move with the furniture if it starts sliding. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE: Once the earthquake ends, check for injuries. Listen to a radio for any warnings and instructions from official organizations like the United States Geological Survey. Be prepared for any aftershocks.

Text and images adapted from Everything Volcanoes and Earthquakes: Earthshaking photos, facts, and fun!

(Learn more about earthquakes at National Geographic.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn the science behind how earthquakes happen-and how you can stay safe if one hits.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Rain is pouring hard and fast-more than eight inches in just an hour, turning river water brown with mud. Earthworms wiggle up to the ground as the soil becomes too wet for them. A flood might be coming.

Just about any place on Earth can experience flooding. When so much rain falls that the ground can't absorb it or waterways can't hold it, the overflowing water becomes a destructive force. In the United States, flooding causes more death and damage than tornadoes, hurricanes, or lightning.

How floods develop

During a rainstorm, precipitation-or the water that comes from rain or snow-goes to different places. Some of it flows into streams, lakes, or city water systems. Other precipitation evaporates and returns to the atmosphere.

But much of the rainwater is absorbed by soil. It flows through the top layer of the ground, to plant roots below the surface. This helps provides plants with the water and nutrients they need to grow. The excess water moves deeper into the ground through layers of dirt and rocks where until it becomes part of natural underground wells called groundwater.

A habitat can naturally absorb a healthy amount of rainfall it needs to thrive. But too much rain can cause lake and river levels to rise and overflow their banks, or the soil to become too wet to absorb more water. And though you might think extremely dry habitats would welcome too much rain, it turns out that the parched dirt can't absorb the rain fast enough to capture it all.

Severe coastal storms, quickly melting ice and snow, and collapsed barriers (like concrete dams) can also cause floods. Even damaged beaver dams can lead to an overflow of water that the surrounding earth can't absorb.

Different types of floods

Floods can form slowly over several days or overwhelm an area with little warning. How quickly a flood forms often depends on the habitat.

Slow-forming river flooding happens in regions called floodplains. These are large, flat areas of land along waterways with very shallow banks. When big storms hit, the water overflows the banks and spreads out across the plains.

This type of flooding isn't always bad. It brings nutrients to the surrounding soil, making it fertile for growing crops. That's why many people live in or near floodplains.

But too much water can destroy crops and damage homes. Rushing water can disrupt ecosystems by moving aquatic plants and animals to other habitats. And if flooding is so severe that it flows into local water treatment facilities, experts must monitor the incoming water to make sure the water is safe.

Another type of flooding is called a flash flood, when a flood happens within six hours of a heavy rainfall-as much as eight inches an hour. With no place to go, the moving water will tear through highways, valleys, and canyons, washing away vehicles, roads, bridges, and houses.

Quickly melting ice and snow can also cause flash flooding, especially when mountain snowmelt overflows the waterways below. On coastlines, hurricane rains cause water levels to rise, and the high winds push that water onto land. Called a storm surge, this also causes flash flooding.

Flooding in the future

Scientists believe that warming temperatures caused by climate change are increasing the risk of floods all over the world, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.

Warmer water changes the patterns of ocean currents, which changes global weather patterns. This means that some places will receive more rainfall than the ground can absorb. Other places will get less rain so the land will be drier-and unable to handle rainfall when it does occur.

Scientists think that climate change could also cause stronger hurricanes, with more rain and higher winds causing bigger storm surges. A warmer climate could also mean more snowmelt overwhelming the soil; melting polar ice could cause sea levels to rise and increase flooding. ( Find out how you can help slow climate change.)

How to survive a flood

Experts might issue a flash flood watch if weather conditions are right. It doesn't mean flooding will happen but that meteorologists want people to be prepared. When experts are sure a flash flood is on the way, they issue a warning so people can evacuate immediately. Here's how to keep you and your family safe.

Before a flood
* Know your neighborhood. Research how close you are to streams, drainage channels, canyons, and any other low-lying areas that might flood.
* Keep emergency contact phone numbers in one place so you can get in touch with family members.
* Put together an evacuation plan and share it with everyone in your household. Know what paths and routes you can use to quickly get to a high, dry place.
* Conduct flood drills to practice evacuating quickly.
* Maintain an emergency kit with a three-day supply of food and water. Experts recommend canned or dried foods that don't need to be cooked, and at least one gallon of water per day for each person and pet.

During a flood
* Never wait for orders to leave; if you think a flood might be coming, evacuate immediately.
* If flooding hasn't started, move important items to upper floors of your house.
* If flooding has already started where you are, move to the highest place you can find, like a roof of a house or car. Bring as much food, water, and sheltering blankets as possible.
* Never walk through flood water, especially if it's moving. Hazardous chemicals, sewage, and even wild animals are often in floodwater, and just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
* If you must walk through water to escape, walk where the water is still. Never touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water, or even if you're wet.
* If water is quickly rising while you're in your car, leave your vehicle and move to higher ground, like a hill or bridge.

After a flood
* If you've evacuated your house, return only after you're given the all-clear from officials.
* If you stayed put, check your house for damage to electrical systems and appliances. Get rid of any food that might be contaminated from floodwater (or because it's been unrefrigerated for awhile).
* Check your home for wild animals, especially snakes. They can get washed into your home with the floodwater.
* Ask an adult before you use water to brush your teeth, make food, or even wash your hands. Flooding can contaminate water and make you sick.
Learn more about floods at National Geographic.
Flood safety tips from the Nat Geo Kids book Extreme Weather by Thomas Kostigen

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about what causes flooding, different types of floods-and how to stay safe.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn what causes these deadly storms-and how to stay safe.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Wherever there is a shortage of rain over a long period of time, there is drought. Drought affects plants, animals, and people. It is a serious problem for farmers and for the people who depend on the crops they produce.

Drought may occur almost anywhere in the world. Deserts receive very little rain all year. They are sometimes said to be in a permanent drought. Places that have a rainy season and a dry season have seasonal drought during the dry season. Other places can experience drought at any time.

Drought results from changes in Earth's atmosphere. Some droughts are caused by shifts in the winds that normally bring rain to an area. Others are caused by changing ocean currents, which affect the temperature and moisture of the air.

Severe droughts can last for months or years. When this happens no crops will grow. As a result many people and animals may die of famine, or lack of food. Severe droughts often force people and animals to move to find water. Some farmers go to places where they think conditions will be better for their crops and animals. Some people give up farming altogether. They move to cities to find other types of work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wherever there is a shortage of rain over a long period of time, there is drought. Drought affects plants, animals, and people. It is a serious problem for farmers and for...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is climate change? What could happen? Get all the facts you need to know.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Volcano facts | National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out these fascinating volcano facts with National Geographic Kids! What is a volcano? Why does it erupt? And where can you find the world's biggest?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A volcano is an opening in Earth's crust. When a volcano erupts, hot gases and melted rock from deep within Earth find their way up to the surface. This material may flow...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DK Learning: Make every lesson your best yet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
DK’s uniquely visual approach engages students, enhancing their learning experience

# data[].attributes.body
How might natural events in the physical environment, like those you've researched, impact on human behaviour? Consider:

- where people choose to live
- how people might prevent the impact of such disasters
- how we can use technology to support us
- how aid from around the world might support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Firefighters are currently battling multiple wildfires in Maui (Credit: NASA.gov)

Hundreds of firefighters are currently battling catastrophic wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. The fires ignited on August 8, 2023. The flames rapidly burnt through vegetation before exploding overnight and spreading to nearby communities. Fanned by strong winds from a distant hurricane, they moved so quickly that some residents were forced to jump into the ocean to escape.

Over 12,000 people in West Maui are without power, and more than 2,000 have been forced to evacuate and seek shelter. At least 55 people have died, and the numbers are expected to rise in the coming days.

Fires burning through the historic town of Lahaina ( Credit: Maui County/ Twitter)

The historic town of Lahaina has been particularly hard hit. The fires have destroyed streets and burned hundreds of structures. Many of them contained precious artifacts of the ancient whaling village's legacy and history. The flames have also scorched a beloved 150-year-old banyan tree in Lahaina's Front Street. Often described as the "heartbeat" of the town, it was just an 8-foot sapling (when it was planted in 1873. Standing at over 60 feet (18.3 meter ) tall, it is now believed to be the largest banyan tree in the US.

"We expected rain; we expected floods," Acting Governor Sylvia Luke told reporters. "We never anticipated in this state that a hurricane that did not make impact on our islands would cause these kinds of wildfires."

On August 10, 2023, Maui officials reported that the Lahaina fire, the most damaging of the three blazes, was 80 percent contained. The second one in Central Maui was 70 percent contained. However, they did not share details about the third fire raging in the mountainous region.

The cause of the fires is still under investigation. But like the rest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui has experienced unusually hot, dry conditions in recent months. This, combined with the spread of a highly flammable invasive plant species and 67 mph (108 km/h) hurricane winds, provided the perfect conditions for the wildfires to spread rapidly.

The Hawaiian islands have been facing severe drought lately (Credit: Maui County)

On August 8, 2023, US President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for Hawaii. This will free up Federal funds to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires.

"Anyone who's lost a loved one, whose home has been damaged or destroyed, is going to get help immediately," the president promised.

Several charity organizations have begun special fundraising efforts to provide food and other supplies to displaced residents.

The town of Lahaina has been completely destroyed by the fires (Credit: US Coast Guard Hawaii Pacific District 14, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Meanwhile, Hawaii's governor, Josh Green, is urging all visitors to leave the island as soon as possible. The unusual move is to ensure that hotel rooms and other accommodations can be freed up for those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.

"We'll welcome visitors back to paradise after the fire's done and after we can rebuild," Green said in an interview with CNN.

Resources: CNN.com, Mauinow.com, weather.com, wikipedia.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Strong Winds Fan Deadly Wildfires On Hawaii's Maui Island

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hundreds of firefighters are currently battling catastrophic wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. The fires ignited on August 8, 2023. The flames rapidly burnt through vegetation before exploding overnight and spreading to nearby communities. Fanned by strong winds from a distant hurricane, they moved so quickly that some residents were forced to jump into the ocean to escape.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A series of massive earthquakes in southeastern Turkey on February 6 and 7, 2023 (Credit: VOA/ Public Domain/ Wikimedia Commons)

A series of powerful earthquakes have devastated large areas of Turkey and Syria and killed thousands of people. The first quake measured at 7.8 magnitude. It struck the southeastern region of Turkey, bordering Syria, early morning on February 6, 2023. As the world was still digesting the news the are was hit by two more large tremors. They measured at 7.5 magnitude and 6.0 magnitude, respectively.

At least 7,000 people have died. The numbers are expected to rise as rescuers look for residents trapped under the debris of flattened structures. Thousands of people have been injured, and tens of thousands have lost their homes.

Is Turkey prone to earthquakes?

Turkey is no stranger to earthquakes. The country sits on the Anatolian Plate between two major faults. They are the North Anatolian Fault and the East Anatolian Fault. The land masses are constantly bumping into each other. The friction sometimes causes the two plates to get stuck to each other. When they finally come apart, they release a large amount of energy. This results in earthquakes or tsunamis.

Why have the recent earthquakes caused so much damage?

The 7.8 earthquake hit close to the densely populated city of Gaziantep (Credit: VOA/ Public Domain)

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake is the biggest to strike Turkey this century. Most quakes this size occur underwater. But this tremor and the ones that followed all hit land. To make matters worse, its epicenter was close to densely populated areas. Additionally, the area is home to a lot of old buildings. They are not strong enough to withstand such large quakes.

What is the world doing to help the affected regions?

The earthquakes have killed over 7,000 people in Turkey and Syria (Credit: Mahmut Bozarslan (VOA)/ Public Domain/ Wikimedia Commons)

Governments worldwide are sending search and rescue crews, equipment, and medical aid to the region. The US has dispatched expert teams to help look for survivors in the rubble. Medics have also been sent to assist local doctors with the injured. In addition, President Joe Biden also promised "any and all" aid needed to help the regions recover from the deadly natural disasters.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Turkey and Syria. Stay strong! The world is with you!

Resources: NPR.com, WashingtonPost.com, Reuters.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Powerful Earthquakes Cause Widespread Devastation In Turkey And Syria

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A series of powerful earthquakes have devastated large areas of Turkey and Syria and killed thousands of people. The first quake measured at 7.8 magnitude. It struck the southeastern region of Turkey, bordering Syria, early morning on February 6, 2023. As the world was still digesting the news the are was hit by two more large tremors.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why does Turkiye experience so many earthquakes?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why does Turkiye experience so many earthquakes?

# data[].attributes.body
Turkey experiences many earthquakes because it's located on the boundary of two massive tectonic plates: the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate. These plates are like giant puzzle pieces that are always moving, but they don't slide smoothly. Instead, they get stuck, and when they suddenly release that built-up energy, it causes an earthquake.

Turkey is in a spot where these plates are pushing against each other. The North Anatolian Fault, a big crack in the Earth's crust, runs right through the country, and it's where a lot of this pressure builds up. When it finally breaks, it leads to earthquakes.

So, Turkey's position between these plates makes it a hotspot for earthquakes. People there are aware of the risk and work to make buildings and infrastructure more earthquake-resistant to stay safe during these natural events.

# data[].attributes.headline
How do natural disasters affect population density?

# data[].attributes.subject
How do natural disasters affect population density?

# data[].attributes.body
Areas prone to natural disasters often experience changes in population density. When a place is at high risk, such as coastal areas susceptible to hurricanes or regions with frequent earthquakes, people might move away to safer areas. This can lower the population density in those disaster-prone regions.

However, some areas still attract people because of job opportunities, beautiful landscapes, or cultural significance. These places might see population growth, even if they are disaster-prone. Unfortunately, this means more people are at risk during natural disasters.

Additionally, government policies and safety measures can influence population density. Strong building codes and disaster preparedness can make people feel safer, encouraging them to stay. But if safety measures are lacking, people may leave, leading to a decrease in population density. So, natural disasters can both push people away and pull them in, depending on various factors.

# data[].attributes.headline
How can technology support us in relation to natural disasters?

# data[].attributes.subject
How can technology support us in relation to natural disasters?

# data[].attributes.body
Technology plays a crucial role in both preventing and mitigating the damage caused by natural disasters and supporting recovery efforts afterward.

Prevention:

1. Early Warning Systems: Technology enables the creation of advanced warning systems that can detect signs of impending disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. These systems use sensors, satellites, and data analysis to provide early alerts, giving people time to prepare and evacuate.

2. Simulation and Modeling: Computer simulations and models can predict how a disaster might unfold. This helps urban planners make informed decisions about where to build and how to create resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural forces.

3. Drones and Remote Sensing: Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can quickly assess disaster-prone areas to gather critical data. This information aids in disaster preparedness and planning.

Support After a Disaster:

1. Communication and Coordination: Technology helps establish communication networks, allowing first responders and relief organizations to coordinate efforts efficiently. Satellite phones, internet connectivity, and social media platforms are invaluable during such times.

2. Search and Rescue: Drones, robots, and AI-powered tools can assist in locating survivors in the rubble, providing crucial information for rescue operations.

3. Data Analytics: Big data and AI can process vast amounts of information to assess damage, track the spread of disease, and prioritize aid efforts. This helps in allocating resources effectively.

4. Humanitarian Tech: Apps and online platforms enable the public to donate, volunteer, or offer assistance to affected regions, fostering a sense of global solidarity.

In summary, technology not only helps predict and prevent natural disasters but also plays a vital role in minimizing damage and facilitating recovery efforts through early warning systems, data analysis, communication tools, and humanitarian support.