Lab 2_cyclone
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Towson University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
101
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by GrandBraveryDinosaur15
GEOG 101
Dr. N Jo
Lab 2
1.
List several favorable environmental conditions that a tropical cyclone can form. (Go to
this link :
https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere-
education-resources/hurricanes
)
Warm ocean waters (at least 80°F/27°C).
An
unstable atmosphere
driven by differences in temperature, where temperature
decreases with height.
Moist air near the mid-level of the atmosphere.
Must be at least 200 miles (with rare exceptions) north or south of the equator for it to
spin (due to the
Coriolis effect
).
Little change in wind speed or direction with height (known as low
vertical wind shear
).
2.
Use the link above, and explore various links on this page, try to find the different
categories of hurricanes. What are the differences between the different categories of
hurricanes?
The different categories of hurricane are defined by the hurricanes maximum sustained wind
speed on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale from a 1 to 5 rating.
A Category 1 has 74-95 mph sustained wind speeds, very dangerous winds some
damage
A Category 2 has 96-110 mph sustained wind speeds, extremely dangerous winds will
cause extensive damage
A Category 3 has 111-129 mph sustained wind speeds, devastating damage will occur
A Category 4 has 130-156 mph sustained wind speeds, Catastrophic damage
A Category 5 has 157 or higher sustained wind speeds, Catastrophic damage
3.
Tropical storms and hurricanes are possible in winter and spring?
Yes, under the right conditions it doesn’t matter if its winter or spring.
For example Hurricane Arlene and Ana formed in the spring time (April), while Hurricane
formed in the winter time (January).
4.
Which country has the most of the world’s tornadoes and when? (source:
https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere-education-
resources/tornadoes
)
The United States has most of the world’s tornadoes between April and June.
GEOG 101
Dr. N Jo
Lab 2
5.
Do you think that there is connection between climate change (global warming) and
tornadoes? If so, how? If not, why not? Follow the link on Q6.
Tornadoes thrive on higher pressure air and as a result of global warming the energy released
by the sun is being trapped in the earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases, which creates the
conditions of air being heated and leading to higher pressure air in the environments that
already have a high air pressure.
6.
How are tornadoes classified and what type of damage do they cause?
(follow this link:
https://scijinks.gov/tornado-simulation/
)
All tornadoes, and most other severe local windstorms, are assigned a single number from
the
Enhanced Fujita Scale
according to the most intense damage caused by the storm.
EF0 (weak): 65-85 mph, light damage.
EF1 (weak): 86-110 mph, moderate damage.
EF2 (strong): 111-135 mph, considerable damage.
EF3 (strong): 136-165 mph, severe damage.
EF4 (violent): 166-199 mph, devastating damage.
EF5 (violent): 200-230 mph, (rare) incredible damage.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help