Skip to main content

What causes avalanches, and can you survive them? - Simon Trautman

101,448 Views

358 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Avalanches are the rapid descent of snow, ice, rock, or a combination of these down a slope. They can be destructive natural disasters and personal tragedies: killing an average of 27 people annually in the US. These alpine nightmares don’t just awaken out of nowhere; they need three specific conditions. So, what causes an avalanche? And is there any way to survive? Simon Trautman investigates.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator
Simon Trautman
Director
Denys Spolitak
Narrator
Bethany Cutmore-Scott
Composer
Stephen LaRosa, Wonder Boy Audio
Sound Designer
Stephen LaRosa, Wonder Boy Audio
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Produced by
Sazia Afrin
Editorial Director
Alex Rosenthal
Editorial Producer
Shannon Odell
Script Editor
Emma Bryce
Fact-Checker
Charles Wallace

More from Awesome Nature