Hurricane Quiz

Hurricanes

A sub-category of cyclones. Hurricanes are intense centers of low central pressure with strong winds and heavy rainfall

Cyclone

the circulation around a low pressure center

Tropical waters

Hurricanes need warm sea surface temperatures to fuel it and give it energy

Rotational Component

A Coriolis force outside of the equator is needed to form a hurricane

Upper Air Support

Diverging air at high altitudes sustain the upward motion hurricanes need to grow

Atmospheric instability

helps create and deepen low-pressure areas

Hurricane evolution

tropical disturbance →tropical depression→tropical storm→hurricane

Tropical disturbance:

Random storms with without roation

Tropical depression:

birthing structure, central low pressure and rotation develops

Tropical storm:

Wind speeds exceeds 39 mph, storm gains name

Hurricane:

Wind speed over 73 mph, defined structure and organized convection

Eye of hurricane

center of the storm where pressure is lowest and winds are calm

Eye wall

surrounds the eye, max wind speeds and precipitation. Steepest pressure gradient

Outer Banks

Areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms away from the center

Eye size…

can vary

Wind speeds…

are driven by pressure gradients and the depth of the low pressure center

Movement and speed…

speed affects the duration of the hurricane’s impact. Slow storms = more damage

Basins of hurricane formation

Atlantic ocean and Saharan desert influence

Prevention Zones

Upwelling causes certain areas with suitable hurricane formation conditions to not be able to form there

El Nino

reduces hurricane activity

La Nina

increases hurricane activity

Wind shear

alters the ability for storms to form, excessive shear can break down hurricanes

Category 1

Winds 74-95 mph, minimal damage

Category 2

Winds 96-100 mph, moderate damage

Category 3

Major hurricane with winds 111-129 mph, significant damage

Category 4

Wind 130-156 mph, catastrophic damage

Category 5

Wins over 157 mph, widespread destruction

Hurricane Impacts:

Storm surge and heavy rain + flooding

Storm surge

Caused by high wind speeds pushing water onto shore