CH 11 - Hurricanes

Hurricane

An intense center of low pressure and cyclonic circulation that forms in the tropics or subtropics, characterized by sustained winds of at least 74 mph (119 kph).

Eye Wall

A donut-shaped wall of intense convective activity surrounding the eye of a hurricane, where the most intense winds and rain are found.

Storm Surge

The rise in sea level due to intense hurricane winds, often leading to significant coastal flooding.

Saffir-Simpson Scale

A scale categorizing hurricanes based on maximum wind speed, used to estimate potential damage.

Latent Heat

The heat released when water vapor condenses, which fuels hurricane formation by warming the air.

African Easterly Jet

Fast easterly mid-level tropospheric winds in northern Africa that can influence tropical storm development.

Coriolis Force

The force that causes moving air to turn and twist due to the Earth's rotation, crucial for hurricane formation.

Hurricane Decay

The process by which hurricanes lose intensity, typically when moving over cool waters, land, or unfavorable wind conditions.

Doppler Radar

A ground-based remote sensing method using microwave frequencies to measure storm dynamics, such as wind speed and precipitation.

Hurricane Severity Index (HSI)

A scale that rates storm severity from 1 to 50 based on size, wind fields, and wind intensity.