A video presents a list of the strangest natural phenomena. It starts with volcanic eruptions, which can generate three types of eruptions: effusive, explosive, and mixed. The video also covers whirlpools, which can occur when the heat concentrated in a specific area of the ground generates a difference in atmospheric pressure.
Other phenomena include floods, which can be caused by heavy rain and human activities such as deforestation and urbanization; waterspouts, which occur when there is heavy rain at the head of a river and the excess water is dissipated by the watercourse below; and sandstorms, which naturally occur in desert environments.
The video also covers volcanic lightning, which can occur during mixed-type eruptions; bioluminescence, a phenomenon in which living organisms produce light; and an underwater "waterfall" in Mauritius, which is actually an optical illusion.
Lastly, the Darvaz crater in Turkmenistan is mentioned, which has been on fire for over 40 years due to a Soviet drilling accident.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. There are approximately 1,150 active volcanoes on Earth.
2. Volcanic eruptions can generate three types of eruptions: effusive, explosive, and mixed.
3. Effusive eruptions involve the expulsion of lava, while explosive eruptions involve the expulsion of rocky fragments called pyroclasts.
4. Mixed eruptions involve the emission of both lava and pyroclasts.
5. Volcanic eruptions can produce lava flows that can form rivers of molten rock.
6. Lava flows can reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius.
7. When lava flows reach the ocean, the contact with cold water generates a thermal shock that solidifies the lava almost instantly.
8. Volcanic eruptions can also generate lightning, particularly in mixed-type eruptions.
9. Lightning is generated when particles in the volcanic ash cloud become charged with static electricity.
10. Waterspouts occur when heavy rain at the head of a river causes excess water to flow rapidly down the river, creating a whirlpool effect.
11. Sandstorms can occur in desert areas when strong winds carry large amounts of sand particles.
12. Sandstorms can cover large areas and even bury entire towns.
13. The Darvaz crater in Turkmenistan has been burning for over 40 years, but this is not a natural phenomenon - it was caused by a gas leak during oil drilling.
14. Bioluminescence is a phenomenon in which living organisms produce light, and it can be seen in various forms, including fireflies and certain types of algae.
15. Bioluminescent algae can accumulate on beaches and create a glowing effect.
16. The Brazilian cerrado is home to fireflies that have bioluminescent heads.
17. The "submerged waterfall" in Mauritius is actually an optical illusion created by sediments sliding down a slope in the ocean.