1. Dubai, UAE
The growth of Emirates boomtown Dubai isn't just visible in its skyscrapers -- it's apparent through its entire coastline. Though most famous for its world map of manmade islands and two palm tree resorts, Google Earth historic images from just 10 years ago show the city's coast has utterly transformed.
2. Port-au-Prince, Haiti
According to the government of Haiti, some 250,000 homes were destroyed by the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake. Many of those left homeless by the quake sought refuge in Port-au-Prince's soccer stadium, which weeks after the storm was covered with temporary residences.
3. Seaside Heights, N.J.
Seaside Heights, N.J.'s boardwalk amusement park was leveled during October 2012's Hurricane Sandy. Missing from the after photo are the ferris wheel, roller coaster and several buildings.
4. Minamisanriku, Japan
These Google Earth images from before and after the horrific Japan earthquake on March 11, 2011 show the damage on the town of Minamisanriku. Docks disappeared into the sea, buildings were flattened and the sports complex on the water was destroyed.
5. Joplin, Mo.
The tragic May 22, 2011 tornado, which tore through Joplin, Mo., left its mark on the city's residential neighborhoods. This Google Earth imagery, captured before and after the destruction, shows the tornado's destructive path south of the Missouri city.
6. Las Vegas, Nev.
In some of the oldest satellite imagery available in Google Earth, Las Vegas's wild growth is clear. The older image, from 1950, shows no traces of what would become one of the fastest growing U.S. cities during the second half of the twentieth century. All that stays the same in the two images are the two roads -- though many lanes were added by 2013.
7. Lower Manhattan
These before-and-after images show Ground Zero before and after Sept. 11, 2001. Though the older image is obscured by shadows, it's clear just how devastating the attacks were in the post-9/11 satellite image.
8. Moore, Okla
These before-and-after shots of Moore, Okla. are somewhat apocalyptic, showing blocks and blocks of destroyed homes. The damage from the May 20 tornado is yet to be repaired.
9. New Orleans, La.
The deadliest and most destructive storm in U.S. history, Hurricane Katrina changed the city of New Orleans forever when it bombarded the city in late August 2005. These before-and-after shots show the New Orleans Superdome, intended as a last resort shelter for city residents taken victim by the storm.
10. Pentagon City, Va.
These before-and-after aerial views of the Pentagon following the Sept. 11, 2001 show the damage to the U.S. government building after a hijacked airplane was routed into its side.
11. Waco, Texas
When the West Fertilizer Company's factory, located north of Waco, Texas, exploded April 17, the devastating results were evident from above. These Google Earth shots show the flattened factory before and after the explosion.
If you're a Google Earth expert, you're well aware Google's rich mapping software features historical data on a number of places around the world.
Whenever you see a clock icon, select to view historical imagery from that exact location. You'll then have the option to use a sliding tool to view the site's progress through time.
We traveled through [Google] Earth to find some of the most shocking imagery available. If you click through the gallery above, you'll see the shocking effects of bustling development, natural disasters, explosions and terror attacks. Google Earth has become a digital museum, archiving history through aerial imagery.
We also recommend finding your own amazing before-and-after locations in Google Earth, if you're up for an adventure behind your computer screen. If you take us up on the task, let us know your best discoveries in the comments below.
Screenshots: Google Earth; Mashable composites
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