A nuclear power station is built around a tiny little reaction reaction that happens as atoms are split apart. This tiny process is contained in several protective layers that are built to protect the outside environment from radiation emitted from the process and the breakdown. When the earthquake hit Japan last week, these protective measures were compromised, prompting evacuations and helicopter water dumps. We’ve put together a list of links to help you understand what’s going at Tokyo Electric Power’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and what experts are saying about the threat.

First, an overview. See the Washington Post’s explainer, Japan’s nuclear emergency, for excellent graphics and explanation of what’s being compromised in the reactors and what could happen.

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