The Earth has witnessed numerous extreme events throughout its history, shaping the planet into what it is today. From massive earthquakes to gigantic storms, these events have left a lasting impact on the environment and human populations. Here are 28 ferociously extreme things that have happened on Earth, showcasing the planet's incredible and often intimidating power.
1. The Largest Earthquake in History
The Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960 is the largest earthquake in history, with a magnitude of 9.5. It triggered tsunamis that traveled across the Pacific, affecting several countries and causing widespread destruction. The earthquake and subsequent tsunamis resulted in over 2,000 deaths and $800 million in damages.
2. The Deadliest Hurricane in History
The 1970 Bhola Cyclone is the deadliest hurricane in history, killing an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people in Bangladesh.
The cyclone's powerful winds and storm surge caused catastrophic damage, leaving millions of people homeless and without access to basic necessities.
3. The Longest Duration of Volcanic Eruption
The eruption of Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, has been ongoing for over 800 years, making it the longest-duration volcanic eruption on record.
The volcano's continuous activity has created a unique landscape, with lava flows and ash deposits shaping the surrounding area.
4. The Highest Temperature Ever Recorded
The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134°F (56.7°C) in Death Valley, California, on July 10, 1913.
This extreme heat wave was part of a prolonged period of hot weather in the region, with temperatures remaining above 120°F (49°C) for several days.
5. The Largest Snowflake Ever Recorded
The largest snowflake ever recorded was 15 inches (38 cm) in diameter and 8 inches (20 cm) thick, falling in Montana on January 28, 1887.
This massive snowflake was observed by a US Army officer, who described it as "larger than milk pans" and "looked like a small piece of white silk."
6. The Longest Lightning Bolt Ever Recorded
The longest lightning bolt ever recorded was 199 miles (320 km) long and lasted for 7.74 seconds, striking across several counties in Oklahoma on April 30, 2020. This extreme lightning bolt was part of a severe thunderstorm system that produced multiple tornadoes and large hail.
7. The Largest Tornado Outbreak in History
The 2011 Super Outbreak was the largest tornado outbreak in history, with 362 tornadoes touching down across 21 states in the United States over four days.
The outbreak resulted in 324 deaths and over $11 billion in damages, making it one of the deadliest and costliest disasters in US history.
8. The Highest Wave Ever Recorded
The highest wave ever recorded was 1,720 feet (524 meters) high, detected by a buoy in the North Atlantic Ocean on February 6, 2013. This massive wave was part of a severe storm system that produced hurricane-force winds and large swells.
9. The Largest Flood in History
The 1931 China floods were the largest floods in history, affecting over 51 million people and causing an estimated 4 million deaths.
The floods were caused by a combination of heavy rainfall, siltation, and dike failures, with the Yangtze River overflowing its banks and inundating surrounding areas.
10. The Most Destructive Wildfire in History
The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires were the most destructive wildfires in history, burning over 10 million hectares of land and killing at least 33 people.
The fires also destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, with the total damages estimated at over $100 billion.
11. The Largest Iceberg Ever Recorded
The largest iceberg ever recorded was Iceberg B-15, which calved from Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf in 2000. The iceberg was approximately 4,200 square miles (11,000 square kilometers) in size, making it larger than the island of Jamaica.
12. The Highest Wind Speed Ever Recorded
The highest wind speed ever recorded was 253 miles per hour (408 kilometers per hour) on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, on April 12, 1934. This extreme wind gust was part of a severe storm system that produced blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall.
13. The Longest Drought in History
The longest drought in history was the 1965-2010 Ethiopian drought, which lasted for 45 years. The drought had a devastating impact on the environment and human populations, with widespread famine and livestock deaths reported.
14. The Largest Landslide in History
The 1958 Lituya Bay landslide in Alaska was the largest landslide in history, with an estimated 30 million cubic meters of rock and debris falling into the bay.
The resulting megatsunami wave was over 1,700 feet (518 meters) high, making it one of the tallest waves ever recorded.
15. The Most Extreme Storm Surge in History
The 1952 Severo-Kurilsk tsunami in Russia had a storm surge of over 50 feet (15 meters), making it one of the most extreme in history. The tsunami was triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life.
16. The Longest-Lasting Dust Storm in History
The 1930s Dust Bowl in the United States lasted for over a decade, with some areas experiencing dust storms for over 300 days per year. The massive dust storms caused widespread crop failures, soil erosion, and respiratory problems.
17. The Largest Glacier Calving Event in History
The 2010 Ilulissat glacier calving event in Greenland was the largest on record, with over 2.7 square miles (7 square kilometers) of ice breaking off into the ocean. The event was equivalent to 20 million Olympic-sized swimming pools of ice.
18. The Highest Sea Level Rise in History
The post-glacial rebound after the last ice age caused sea levels to rise by over 400 feet (120 meters) in just a few thousand years, making it the highest sea level rise in history. This rapid sea level rise inundated coastal areas and low-lying islands.
19. The Most Damaging Floods in European History
The 2002 European floods affected over 10 countries, causing widespread damage and displacement. The floods resulted in over 100 deaths and $25 billion in damages, making them one of the most damaging flood events in European history.
20. The Largest Mudflow in History
The 1985 Nevado del Ruiz mudflow in Colombia was the largest on record, with over 20 million cubic meters of mud and debris flowing through the city of Armero. The mudflow resulted in over 23,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
21. The Most Extreme Heat Wave in European History
The 2003 European heat wave resulted in over 70,000 deaths, making it one of the deadliest heat waves in history.
The heat wave saw temperatures soar above 100°F (38°C) in several countries, with some areas experiencing temperatures over 120°F (49°C).
22. The Largest Avalanche in History
The 1970 Huascarán avalanche in Peru was the largest on record, with over 60 million cubic meters of snow and ice breaking off the mountain. The avalanche resulted in over 18,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
23. The Most Destructive Landslide in History
The 2014 Oso landslide in Washington, USA, was one of the most destructive on record, with over 40 homes destroyed and 43 people killed.
The landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall and resulted in over $50 million in damages.
24. The Highest Avalanche Speed Ever Recorded
The highest avalanche speed ever recorded was over 250 miles per hour (400 kilometers per hour) in the Canadian Rockies. This extreme speed was measured during a research study on avalanche dynamics.
25. The Longest Duration of a Volcanic Ash Cloud
The 1815 Mount Tambora eruption in Indonesia produced a volcanic ash cloud that lasted for over 3 years, making it one of the longest-duration ash clouds on record. The ash cloud caused widespread climate disruption and crop failures.
26. The Most Extreme Wildfire Season in History
The 2018 wildfire season in California, USA, was one of the most extreme on record, with over 8,500 fires burning across the state. The fires resulted in over 100 deaths and $25 billion in damages, making them one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfire seasons in history.
27. The Largest Lake-Effect Snowstorm in History
The 1993 Lake Erie lake-effect snowstorm in the United States was the largest on record, with over 40 inches (100 cm) of snow falling in just 24 hours. The snowstorm resulted in widespread travel disruptions and power outages.
28. The Most Extreme Lightning Storm in History
The 2011 Oklahoma lightning storm in the United States was one of the most extreme on record, with over 100 lightning strikes per hour. The storm resulted in widespread power outages and damage to buildings and infrastructure.
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Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.