We humans like to think that we’re in charge of the planet we live on. Without being able to collectively decide how it should be done, we’re at the controls. But are we in control?
The scientific community is, in fact, converging on the idea that we have entered a new phase of Earth’s history — one in which our activity has become a powerful agent of geological change, equal to the other great forces of nature that build mountains and shape continents and species. The proposed name for this emerging period is the “Anthropocene” or the age of humanity.
But nature doesn’t care about that. It’s not conceding anything and reminds us about its power whenever it has the chance. From droughts and wildfires to earthquakes and floods, it has plenty of tools to do so as well.
So we at Bored Panda decided to put together a list of pictures, showing just how chaotic our surroundings can get. Continue scrolling to check them out and upvote the most memorable ones!
#1
Heavy Rain Turns Stairway Into A Waterfall
#2
So There’s Been A Bit Of Rain In Ireland Recently
To learn more about the weather, we contacted Bob McDavitt, a weather guru who uses //etBoB to provide weather information for cruising sailors, primarily for those in the South Pacific.
McDavitt was born in Marton, New Zealand, and was schooled in Wellington. He graduated with B.Sc (hons) degrees in Maths and Computer Science from Victoria University, and has been a meteorologist since 1975.
For twenty years, McDavitt was the MetService Weather Ambassador, and focused on promoting friendly relations with weather users. This involved communicating awareness about any incoming nasty weather, keeping an eye on the impact of the weather on the coming season and any special events, and arranging MetService promotions, displays, and exhibitions.
#3
This Tree Was Struck By Lightning 3 Hours Ago
#4
Lightning Hit Sidewalk
#5
Cedar Tree Explosion
A storm blew through central Kansas this evening and exploded this cedar tree near my house. Someone speculated it was a microburst. I just thought it was neat.
“The meteorological way of making a weather prediction is based on the scientific method,” McDavitt told Bored Panda.
“1) Data is gathered to measure what is happening now; 2) This data is turned into a grid of numbers; 3) Computer programs that mimic known physics extrapolate these numbers into a future state/time; 4)These numbers are then converted into text and graphics to send off to users who are warned when defined thresholds are exceeded,” the weather guru explained.
#6
My Friend Was Flying Out Of Phoenix Last Night. He Just Missed The Dust Storm
#7
This Is The Road I’m Supposed To Drive On My Final Driving Test This Morning. Fog My Life
#8
My Sister Rented A Flat Here In North Of Iceland For Christmas. This Is Her View
#9
Summers In England
It is said that a five-day forecast can accurately predict the weather approximately 90 percent of the time, a seven-day forecast is right about 80 percent of the time, and a 10-day—or longer—forecast will live up to its words only about half the time.
Models have to use estimates and assumptions to predict the weather. But the atmosphere is constantly changing and those estimates are less reliable the further you get into the future.
“Weather is a mix of pattern and chaos,” McDavitt pointed out. “We can only follow the pattern and attempt to work out the bounds of the chaos.”
#10
Over 4 Meters (13 Ft.) Of Snow At Riksgränsen Skii Resort In Northen Sweden
#11
The Sky In Murcia, Spain, Turned Orange Because Of Dust From The Sahara
#12
When It’s Your Stop And The Doors Open To This
#13
Hurricane Mattew Was A Sod Of A Beach In Daytona
#14
Welcome To Narnia: Two Days Of Gale Force Winds Along Lake Erie Have Iced Over Many Of The Homes Along The Beach In Hamburg, NY
#15
Dedication On Display For Buffalo Bills Fans
#16
#17
