A detection station for seismic activity at Bilibion, a remote corner of Russia. The Official CTBTO Photostream (Copyright CTBTO Preparatory Commission)

I’ve always wondered: do nuclear tests affect tectonic plates and cause earthquakes or volcanic eruptions?

Human-induced earthquakes have been reported from every continent except Antarctica. We asked a geologist to investigate whether North Korea’s nuclear tests could trigger geological changes.
Residents look at the damaged hotel ‘Ane Centro’ after a 8.1 magnitude earthquake in Matias Romero, Oaxaca, Mexico. Angel Hernandez/AAP

Explainer: after an earthquake, how does a tsunami happen?

A 8.1 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Mexico on 8 September 2017. Fortunately, initial fears of a damaging tsunami hitting the coastline now appear unfounded.
Houses are destroyed by tsunami floods following the magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Japan on March 11, 2011. Reuters/EPA

Explainer: how to prepare for a tsunami

We can’t predict or prevent tsunamis you can improve your chances of staying safe by understanding the risk, being prepared and acting quickly when disaster strikes.

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