Wildfires

Humans have become a geologic force by cooking the planet — using fire on a scale that is altering land, water, air and ecosystems.

Parts of Southern California are covered with pink fire retardant as firefighters try to control deadly wildfires raging in Los Angeles. But what is Phos-Chek fire retardant and is it safe?

The state is seeing a sharp water divide this year, with lots of rain in the north while the south has stayed dry. A hydrologist explains what’s happening.

Wildfires can generate tornado-like fire whirls and other "unpredictable and erratic" weather. An atmospheric scientist explains how.

Firefighters are battling a 'monster' wildfire in the evacuated town of Jasper and Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.

Wildfire smoke from Canada has hit Norway, which is more than 3,000 miles from the North American country.

New York City's normally good air quality rating recently plummeted to the worst of any major city in the world, as wildfire smoke drifted over the city from Canada.

The characteristic zigzag pattern of lightning is caused by a highly conductive form of oxygen that builds up as the bolt travels toward the ground.

A type of crystal that breaks the rules of ordinary crystallography has been found in a tube of melted sand from Nebraska.

During thunderstorms, leaves from trees and other plants create mini electric discharges that can significantly alter the surrounding air quality. But researchers are unsure if this is beneficial or harmful.