- #1
The phenomenon known as the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with the Earth's atmosphere. These particles are funneled towards the Earth's poles by its magnetic field, where they collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light.
Tornadoes form when warm, moist air and cool, dry air collide. This causes a rotating column of air to form, which can then be intensified by rising air and wind shear. If the conditions are right, the rotating column of air can touch the ground, creating a tornado.
Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which make up the Earth's crust. When these plates shift or collide, it can release energy in the form of seismic waves, which can cause the ground to shake. Other factors, such as volcanic activity and human-induced activities, can also contribute to earthquakes.
Rainbows form when sunlight is refracted, or bent, as it passes through water droplets in the air. The different colors of the rainbow correspond to different wavelengths of light, which are separated as they pass through the droplets and then reflect back to our eyes.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the Sun, keeping the Earth warm enough to sustain life. However, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have increased the concentration of these gases, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming.