What are Natural Phenomena?

A phenomenon is an event that occurs but has no clear explanation why. Therefore natural
phenomena are those that occur in nature without human involvement. Natural phenomena
come in many varieties (physical, biological, chemical, etc.) and may occur regularly (seasonal,
yearly) or irregularly. Notable examples of some common natural phenomena are the sunrise,
rainbows after a rainstorm, El Nino/La Nina years in the Pacific Ocean, and the Aurora Borealis,
"Northern Lights."

Natural phenomena sometimes impact the global climate, causing temperatures to temporarily
increase or decrease. Typically, these effects are sharp and immediate, easily trackable and
associated with certain events, like a volcanic eruption emitting heat-trapping greenhouse
gases. Greenhouse gases, like water vapor and carbon dioxide, trap the sun's energy as heat
near the Earth's surface, which increases the global temperature. And although the planet's
temperature does naturally increase and decrease over time, the process is usually a gradual
one. Changes to the Earth's orbit as it revolves around the Sun have altered some climate
patterns, and an increase/decrease in the Sun's activity as it ages also plays a role in the Earth's
climate.

Natural Phenomena and Natural Disasters

Natural disaster is a term given to major events and catastrophes because of natural causes.
Some characteristics of natural disasters include: the event must cause significant damage to
the surrounding areas, both structurally and to the environment; usually lead to loss of human
life or that of other organisms; and one event can be the cause or effect of another. For
example, landslides and earthquakes can cause tsunamis (major, enduring regional flooding) or
prolonged drought often leads to wildfires.

Natural disasters usually have a negative impact on human life. These negative effects can
manifest themselves in physical, financial, and often in emotional and mental ways. Physical
consequences of natural disasters include the loss of human life or serious injury, destruction
of residences and workspaces, and displacement from the region. Financial consequences
include the loss of property ownership; prolonged periods without work because of crisis
management and business closures; and no access to resources. Financial consequences
typically affect those of the lower class more so than middle-and upper-class individuals. The
emotional and mental impact of natural disasters can include depression from losing items that
hold sentimental value and survivor guilt for living through the event while others did not.