hurricanes the history, structure, development, and destruction by s. latorre, j. pannu, p. nguyen,...
TRANSCRIPT
HURRICANESThe History, Structure,
Development, and Destruction
By S. LaTorre, J. Pannu, P. Nguyen, G. Frederick
Source: http://www.dc.peachnet.edu/~pgore/students/w97/matheson/hpage.htm
What is a hurricane?
Violent cyclonic storm that develops in the tropical region
Wind speeds are > 74 mph
Source: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=680
Rotation and Pressure
In which direction does a hurricane rotate?
COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Is the barometric pressure inside the hurricane high or low?
LOW
What is the role of the National Weather Service during hurricane season?
Provides weather information, such as data from satellites
Responsible for issuing watches and warnings to the media and general public
Watch vs. Warning
What is the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning?
Watch – Tropical storm poses a threat to coastal areas with 36 hours
Warning - Tropical storm conditions are expected in a coastal area within 24 hours
What conditions must be present for a hurricane to
develop?
Warm ocean temperatures (>80˚ F) up to 60m deep
Little to no wind shear Low pressure system at
least 5˚ North or South of Equator
Rotation caused by winds Source:
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/fran/
fran.html
What is the major source of energy fueling a
hurricane?
Heat Energy evaporating from the ocean surface
Source: http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/hyd/evap.rxml
Important Terms Tropical Disturbance
Group of thunderstorms in the tropics that are present for at least 24 hours
Tropical Wave lack of circulation, winds <25 mph and
every direction
Tropical Depressionclosed circulation but disorganized, winds
at least 25 mph
Important Terms
Tropical Storm Shower and thunderstorm moves over
closed circulation, winds greater than 39 mph
HurricaneEye is developed, winds > 74 mph
What is the Scale Used to Categorize Hurricanes?
Saffir-Simpson ScaleCategor
yMax Wind
Speed(mph)
Min. Surface Pressure (mb)
Storm Surge m (ft)
1 74-96 > 980 1-1.7 (3-5)
2 97-111 979-965 1.8-2.6 (6-8)
3 112-131 964-945 2.7-3.8 (9-12)
4 132-155 944-920 3.9-5.6 (13-18)
5 > 155 < 920 > 5.7 (>19)Source: http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive/hurricane/saffir-simpson.html
What is a storm surge?
Large wall or dome of water that rushes into the coastline as a result of a hurricane making landfall
To the right are the areas affected by high storm surges
Souce: http://www.wkrg.com/hurricanecenter/surge/SE.jpg
What destroys a hurricane?
Strong vertical winds Cold water Movement over land
FrictionLack of moisture
What are the five costliest hurricanes in the United
States?
1. Hurricane Andrew – 19922. Hurricane Hugo – 19893. Hurricane Fran – 19964. Hurricane Opal – 19955. Hurricane Frederic - 1979
Why the majority of the costliest storms are relatively recent
Damage is a result of development
There are more developed areas and possessions than in the past
Source: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew.html
How has a hurricane affected you personally?
Damage to your house from wind?
Damage from flooding?
Destroyed vacation house?
Damage to family members’ homes?
http://cindi.usgs.gov/cindi/hazard/event/floyd/ncflood/mediums/img023.jpg
Mrs. Parker’s
Old House
Final Water Level
Flooding of Tar River as result of Hurricanes Dennis and Floyd
DocksideTar RiverEstates
Damage to Greenville
Extensive Flooding
Extended Power outages
Flood Related Deaths
Property Damage
US 264 Bridge
Source: http://cindi.usgs.gov/cindi/hazard/event/floyd/ncflood/mediums/img022.jpg
Protection Listen to warnings Take all warnings seriously Follow evacuations Prepare Food and Water for extensive power outages