Kerala floods: why it's so hard to detect the fingerprints of global warming
Aug 28, 2018 15:32 pm UTC| Insights & Views Nature
The devastating floods in the Indian state of Kerala are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the worlds most densely populated regions to weather and climate phenomena. In addition to the tragic loss of several...
Hurricane season not only brings destruction and death but rising inequality too
Aug 28, 2018 15:31 pm UTC| Insights & Views Nature
Hurricane Lane, which is bearing down on Hawaii, is a reminder of the devastation hurricane season can bring. Only one year ago Hurricane Harvey ravaged Houston, followed closely by Irma and Maria, which left a trail of...

What the grieving mother orca tells us about how animals experience death
Aug 28, 2018 15:28 pm UTC| Insights & Views Nature
For many weeks, news of a mother orca carrying her dead infant through the icy waters of the Salish Sea captured the attention of many around the world. Keeping the infant afloat as best she could, the orca, named...
If you shelter in place during a disaster, be ready for challenges after the storm
Aug 28, 2018 15:28 pm UTC| Insights & Views Nature
Americans prepare for natural disasters in many ways, from obtaining flood insurance to identifying evacuation routes. But many people fail to take key steps. I conducted a research survey in Harris County, Texas, which...

Aug 28, 2018 13:22 pm UTC| Insights & Views Nature
When those first fat drops of summer rain fall to the hot, dry ground, have you ever noticed a distinctive odor? I have childhood memories of family members who were farmers describing how they could always smell rain...

Explainer: why the rock art of Murujuga deserves World Heritage status
Aug 28, 2018 12:59 pm UTC| Insights & Views Nature
The West Australian government has committed to pursuing a World Heritage listing for the rock art of Murujuga. Murujuga is the Aboriginal name for the Dampier Archipelago and the Burrup Peninsula in north west WA and is...
Would an eruption in Melbourne really match Hawaii's volcanoes? Here's the evidence
Aug 28, 2018 12:58 pm UTC| Insights & Views Nature
Spectacular images of recent volcanic eruptions in Hawaii are a little disheartening especially given news reports suggesting there is a sleeping volcano under Melbourne that could awaken and erupt at any...