At the end of this lesson students should be able to:
• Define the term “hurricane”
• List three categories of a hurricane.
• Tell how a hurricane is formed
• State how a hurricane is measured and name a scale which is used.
• Define the structure of a hurricane
• Explain the effects and impacts on the environment and the society.
Definition
A Hurricane is a severe storm with a violent wind. A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the general term for all circulating weather systems counter clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere over tropical waters. When a hurricane is formed over the western Pacific, these hurricanes are called “typhoons,” and similar storms in the Indian Ocean are called “cyclones”.
There are three classifications of Tropical cyclones:
Tropical Depression – is an organized system of thunderstorms with sustained winds of 38 mph.
Tropical Storm – is an organized system of strong thunderstorms with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).
Hurricane – is an intense tropical weather system with sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
Formation
Hurricanes are products of the Tropical Ocean and atmosphere. Hurricanes are powered by heat from the sea; they are steered by easterly winds and the westerly temperate as well as their own ferocious energy. Hurricanes are formed in the tropical regions. They form there because they need warm water of at least 80º Fahrenheit. They also need high humidity with moist air, light winds, and very warm surface temperatures to succeed. Around their core, winds grow with great velocity, generating violent seas. While moving ashore, they sweep the ocean inward while generating tornadoes and producing torrential rains and floods. The first sign of a hurricane is a cluster of thunderstorms over tropical oceans. After the clusters of thunderstorms arrive they will break away and become better organized. It can take anywhere from hours to several days for a thunderstorm to actually turn into a hurricane. Three things must happen for a hurricane to form. A continuous evaporation and condensation cycle must take place, patterns of winds that are characterized by the converging winds, and a difference in air pressure between the surface and high altitude.
The Essay on Hurricane Floyd Winds Reach
A hurricane is easily the most powerful storm that mother-nature can throw at us. Every year people who live on the coasts fight hurricanes with no dismay. A hurricane is simply too strong. Their winds reach speeds of 75 mph. The winds around the eye wall can reach 130 to 150 mph. They are 200 to 300 miles in diameter. The number of casualties is endless, as well as the widespread destruction that ...
Surfaces pressures begin to decrease as water vapour condenses and releases latent heat into areas where the tropical disturbance is located. This latent heat causes the air to become less dense. The warm air then rises; as it rises it becomes cooler and expands. That triggers more condensation and releases more latent heat, which allows more air to rise. A chain reaction is now in place. The exchange of the heat from the surface creates a pattern of wind that moves around the centre. Each year on average, ten tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico. However, five of these will go inland, of these five; two will become major hurricanes ranging Category 3 or greater. In preparing for the hurricane season, the first step is to understand the watches and warnings that are issued by the meteorological department of Jamaica A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions to affect land within 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected inland 36 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (64 knots) and/or dangerously high tides and waves.
How is a hurricane measured?
Hurricanes are measured using various tools one such tool is the Saffir-Simpson scale. This is a standard scale for rating the severity of hurricanes as a measure of the damage they cause. This scale was first developed in the late 1960s by Herbert Saffir it was made to measure prospective damage from hurricane winds; however, it was further expanded in the early 1970s by Robert Simpson. Presently, there are two forms of this scale the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale and the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage Intensity Scale. It rates hurricanes from category 1 to category 5 in order of increasing intensity. Each intensity category specifies the range of conditions based on four criteria: barometric (central) pressure, wind speed, storm surge, and damage potential.
The Essay on Hurricanes Hurricane Damage Winds Miles
Hurricane, what does it mean? What do hurricanes do? What kind of powers do they possess? Where regions of the world are mostly affected by these hurricanes? All these questions I plan to answer in the following paragraphs. One thing we do know for sure is that a hurricane is one of the most devastating storms that Mother Nature has to offer. We also know that hurricanes cause a lot of damage to ...
In category 1, some damage to trees and boats, including mild flooding is expected to occur. In category 2, considerable damage to trees, causing them to be blown down and more extensive damage to poorly anchored houses are expected. In category 3, trees will be blown down, minor structural damage to buildings will occur and more severe flooding will take place. In category 4, there will be severe damage to roofing and houses, including damage to coast line structures due to severe flooding. Finally in stage 5, small buildings will be swept away as major structural damage occurs, which will result with the evacuation of all living near the coast due to disastrous flooding. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage Intensity Scale, in addition to the wind speed, outlines the damage potentially possible with an associated categorized hurricane. This scale is also used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected to occur along the coast as a result of a hurricane occurrence. Scale
Hurricane Structure
Hurricane winds blow in a counterclockwise spiral around the calm rough circular center called the eye. The eye is roughly 20 to 30 miles wide, it is relatively calm and there is little or no rain. The eye is the warmest part of the storm. Surrounding the eye is the eye wall. The eye wall has the most rain, and the strongest winds of the storm, gusting up to 225 mph (360 km/h) in severe storms. The smaller the eye, the stronger the storm will be. In addition to rotating with wind speeds of at least 74 mph, a hurricane travels relatively slowly across the ocean or land, usually at about 20 to 25 mph.
The Term Paper on Tropical Cyclone Earthquakes Hurricane Damage
... Hurricanes High winds are a primary cause of hurricane-inflicted loss of life and property damage. Another cause is the flooding resulting from the coastal storm ... greatest there, the eye wall is also the region of maximum wind speed. By contrast, the hurricane eye is almost calm, ... velocity of the air and subsequent condensation make the eye wall the region of heaviest precipitation and highest ...
Effects on the environment and the society
Hurricanes can damage or destroy vehicles, buildings, bridges, and other outside objects and turn loose debris into deadly flying projectiles to buildings and persons. With these effects it affects both human and animals directly and indirectly. Hurricanes produce strong winds which can damage and affect lives depending on the strength in comes with, even though a warning is normally given we can never be too prepared for a hurricane. Damage done also causes the state to dig deeper in their pocket for reconstruction of lives and infrastructures hence burdening the finances of the country. Fatality is one of the most unforgettable events throughout a Hurricane.
Hurricane Precautions
Before a hurricane it is essential you store a 7-day supply of drinking water; know the hurricane risks in your area. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood, have at least a one week supply of necessary medications and non-perishable food on hand. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and batten windows, doors and roofs. Make sure to secure all your important documents (passport, birth papers… etc).
During the Hurricane Stay indoors. Stay tuned to radio stations for frequent updates. Try and use disposable utensils to lessen the usage of water. You can also turn breaker off to prevent damage in the case of power outages. Keep everyone dry and together. After the hurricane Remain indoors until an official “all clear” is given by the authorities. Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances. Remain indoors if the road ways are flooded. Use cell phones for emergencies only to preserve battery life. Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains, overturned gas tanks, etc. After power is restored, wait a while before re- turning on breaker and check for spoiled food in your refrigerators.
Conclusion
Millions of dollars worth of damages is sustained on a yearly basis in our Island. Weather and climate affects us in many ways, both positive and negative. Can we really predict a hurricane every time the season comes around is the question on many people’s minds? Hence, paying attention to hurricane warnings and watches are very important to you, your family and friends. So continue to follow the precautionary measures and educate as much as possible. Remember now to keep you and your family safe for the remainder of the hurricane season.
The Essay on One Person Life Power Difference
The Power Of One: One Person Can Change the World Dave Brown W. History per. 7 4/17/96 I believe very firmly that one person can change the world. That one person may not be able to do a whole lot physically to change the world, but one person has the power to inspire others to help that person change the world. Also believe very firmly that one person can set an example for others that may affect ...
References
Cunningham, W.P. Saigo, B.W. (1997) Environmental Science McGraw- Hill companies
Eglinton, C. (2009) about .com guides. Retrieved October 29, 2010 from www.chuckegg.com
Oblack, R. (2010) weather. About.com guides. Retrieved November 01, 2010 from www.about.com
