(a species of owlet moth (Noctuid)) Some caterpillars, after they emerge from their egg, can increase their weight by 25,000 times.

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Natural disasters

Most of us think of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes as potentially deadly events, but these processes have been instrumental in shaping the Earth and life as we know it. Join Museum geologists as they discuss this fascinating field and discover more about one of the most powerful phenomena in nature - the tsunami.

  • Aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake in Japan
    Earthquakes

    What causes earthquakes, how big can they get, and which parts of the world are most likely to experience them?

  • A flooded road near Richmond, London
    Floods

    Flood damage to houses and towns is often reported in the newspapers, but what are the long-term consequences of flooding for local wildlife and ecosystems? 

  • A forest fire raging near Bailey, Colorado, USA
    Forest fires

    Find out what causes forest fires and learn about the research of Museum scientists in regions affected by them.

  • Hurricane Irene as seen by the GOES-13 satellite in August 2011
    Hurricanes

    Find out how hurricanes are formed, which areas of the world are most likely to experience them, and how often they occur.

  • Aftermath of the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka
    Tsunamis

    Find out about the causes of tsunamis and the research that Museum scientists are doing in affected areas of the world.

  • Volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland in April 2010
    Volcanoes

    Find out what causes volcanic eruptions, how scientists predict them, and what impact they have on nature.

  • Map of the world's earthquakes
    Plate tectonics

    Learn about the giant plates that make up the Earth's surface, how their movement continues to transform our planet, and why earthquakes and volcanoes are common at their boundaries.

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