Natural Disasters

News about UB’s research and advocacy in extreme events and disaster response. (see all topics)

Meet an Expert

Water and lava, but — curiously — no explosion
10/7/13
Land-based lava pillars in Iceland may have formed through an unusual reaction typically seen deep under the sea, a new UB study finds.
UB Media Advisory: Researchers use shake tables to replicate California earthquake beneath two-story test building
8/14/13
BUFFALO, N.Y. – On Friday, researchers from The Johns Hopkins University will conduct tests to see how a Southern California earthquake could impact a two-story office building.
Engineering students design bridge for rural Kenyans, now they’re seeking funding to build it
7/9/13
BUFFALO, N.Y. – A senior class project for Jerome O’Connor’s students is counting for much more than a final grade; it’s giving them real world experience and a chance to help people in need.
Complacency, apathy lead people to ignore disaster warnings, researchers say
6/28/13
BUFFALO, N.Y. – A number of factors, including complacency and apathy, can be blamed for citizens’ failure to heed disaster warnings, according to recent research from the University at Buffalo School of Management.
Video: Researchers detonate ping pong balls to better understand volcanic eruptions
6/17/13
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Tracking how far volcanic debris flies during an eruption, even a small, simulated blast filmed by powerful cameras, is not easy.
UB earthquake engineer says Canada earthquake was “relatively minor”
5/17/13
BUFFALO, N.Y. – University at Buffalo earthquake engineer Michael C. Constantinou said while today’s earthquake near Ottawa, Canada, appears to have caused little damage it should nonetheless remind people that the East Coast is not immune to temblors.
Volcanologist can discuss ‘Popo’, the ash-spewing volcano that has towns near Mexico City on alert
5/14/13
BUFFALO, N.Y. — University at Buffalo volcanologist Michael Sheridan can discuss Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano, which has been coughing up ash, gas and molten rock over the past few days.
Emotional response to climate change influences whether we seek or avoid further information
5/13/13
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Sixty-two percent of Americans now say they believe that global warming is happening and only 16 percent say it is not. However, the percentage of climate change deniers has increased by four points since September and 46 percent of them say they are “very” or “extremely” sure they are correct.
How New York City’s brownstones would react to the Virginia earthquake
2/28/13
BUFFALO, N.Y. – A brick wall imitating part of a New York City row house (often called a “brownstone”) suffered minor damage but remained intact during a simulation of the 2011 Virginia earthquake, according to a preliminary analysis of tests conducted Feb. 19 at the University at Buffalo.
UB Experts Available to Discuss Hurricane Sandy
10/29/12
University at Buffalo faculty members are available to discuss challenges relating to the arrival of Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast, including threats to buildings, infrastructure and water supplies.