October 7, 2015

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Geosciences, NBC Learn, and the Weather Channel released a 10-part video series that delves into the science behind natural disasters. The video series, hosted by Dr. Marshall Shepherd of the Weather Channel’s “Weather Geeks”, highlights the impacts these events have on humans and the economy, as well as the cutting-edge research throughout the U.S. to better understand them.

The 10-part video series consists of 4-5 minute segments on the following hazards: earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, flash floods, landslides, tornados, space weather, wildfires and tsunamis. Each video breaks down research from an expert geoscientist in the field. For example, the landslide video features Dr. David Montgomery, geomorphology professor at the University of Washington, who uses slope-stability models, aerial imagery, and lidar to better understand the rate, evolution, and location of the landslides.

The videos are available online and are being distributed to classrooms throughout the U.S.

Sources: NSF, NBC Learn