Stunning science and nature photography of 2018

[Anta Assamey]

[Anta Assamey]

[Anta Assamey]

[Anta Assamey]

As the Woolsey Fire engulfed Malibu, California in November, Los Angeles Times photographer Wally Skalij took an eerie photo of an owl on the city's beach.

[Anta Assamey]

[Anta Assamey]

[Anta Assamey]

The earthquake and subsequent tsunami displaced thousands of people.
Indonesia's early detection warning systems were not working before the tsunami hit. The country's geophysics agency issued a tsunami warning during the natural disaster, but lifted the warning shortly after.

[Anta Assamey]

This photo also won a prestigious prize. It shows thousands of recalled Volkswagen and Audi vehicles sitting in the Mojave Desert, years after it was revealed that the car manufacturer was cheating on emissions tests.

[Anta Assamey]

Not all great nature photos need to be serious or solemn, though. Photographing wildlife often leads to humorous situations — a fact that the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards bank on.