Hurricanes

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a rotating storm system originating over warm tropical waters. These storm systems are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and can cause significant damage to coastal areas. In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, the term "hurricane" is used, while the same type of disturbance in the Northwest Pacific is called a "typhoon".

Formation of Hurricanes

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters when the conditions are right, including warm sea surface temperatures, high humidity, and a pre-existing weather disturbance. As warm air rises from the ocean surface, it creates an area of low pressure. As more air is drawn into this low-pressure area, it begins to rotate due to the Earth's rotation and the Coriolis effect.

Anatomy of a Hurricane

A hurricane is comprised of several key components, including the eye, eyewall, and rain bands. The eye is the central part of the hurricane, characterized by calm and clear conditions. Surrounding the eye is the eyewall, which contains the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall. The rain bands extend outward from the eyewall and can produce additional heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Impact of Hurricanes

Hurricanes can have a devastating impact on coastal areas, causing widespread damage from strong winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall leading to flooding. In addition to the immediate physical damage, hurricanes can also disrupt infrastructure, lead to loss of life, and have long-term economic impacts on affected areas.

Study Guide

What are the key conditions required for the formation of hurricanes?
Describe the structure of a hurricane, including its key components.
Explain the potential impact of hurricanes on coastal areas and communities.
Discuss the differences between hurricanes and typhoons.
Research a historical hurricane and present a case study on its impact.

By understanding the formation, anatomy, and impact of hurricanes, we can better prepare for and respond to these powerful storm systems.

◂Earth Science Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

The resources above cover the following skills:

Skills And Processes: The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.

The student will pose scientific questions and suggest investigative approaches to provide answers to questions.

The student will test a working hypothesis. (NTB)

Concepts Of Earth/Space Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) to explain the physical behavior of the environment, Earth, and the universe.

The student will explain how the transfer of energy and matter affect Earth systems.

The student will explain how global conditions are affected when natural and human-induced change alter the transfer of energy and matter.

The student will investigate methods that geologists use to determine the history of Earth.

The student will compare events in Earth's history that have been grouped according to similarities.

Environmental Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use the scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) and major environmental science concepts to understand interrelationships of the natural world and to analyze environmental issues and their solutions.

The student will explain how matter and energy move through the biosphere (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and organisms).

The student will analyze how the transfer of energy between atmosphere, land masses and oceans results in areas of different temperatures and densities that produce weather patterns and establish climate zones around the earth (At least - differential heating and cooling; oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns; climates and microclimates; biomes).

The student will analyze the relationships between humans and the earth's resources.

The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and air quality (At least - ozone; greenhouse gases; volatile organic compounds (smog); acid rain; indoor air; human health).