A REVIEWCGF3M

TUES. DEC. 17 , 2013

Hurricanes

How do Hurricanes Form?

Warm moist air from the ocean rises and condenses into clouds

Winds near the equator move in a circular pattern, causing the cloud to rotate- this is called a tropical depression

Warm air rises and begins to rotate faster, wind speeds increase

When wind speeds exceed 65 km/ hr, the system is upgraded to a tropical storm

When wind speeds reach 120 km/hr, the storm is officially classified as a hurricane

Hurricanes last as long as they have the “energy” (warm, moist air from the ocean) to feed them

Damages from Hurricanes

1. Violent Winds- can topple buildings, rip roofs off structures, tear up trees by the roots, and fling debris through the air.

2. Storm Surges- occur when strong winds drive a wall of water onto land. Can cause death by drowning, and extensive flooding.

3. Flooding- heavy rains are associated with hurricanes. Flooding often disrupts transportation and communication networks which are vital for rescue

Hurricane Katrina

Yesterday, you read a case study about Hurricane Katrina

Video: Katrina, day by dayWhy was Katrina so devastating?- Much of New Orleans is built below sea level

on soft sediment- Not enough wetlands near the city to reduce

storm surges- Levees and floodwalls not strong enough to

withstand storm surges

Hurricane Katrina

The confirmed death toll from Katrina was 1 800Economic impact: $108 billion80% of the city flooded, making most of the

major roadways impassable 10-15000 residents sought shelter in the

Superdome (football stadium), even though the power was out and the roof was peeling off- VIDEO

Looting and violence across the city of New Orleans

Katrina destroyed 30 offshore oil platformsRedistributed over 1 million people

Never Again

Because of the immense damage and death toll, the name “Katrina” was officially retired by the US Meteorological Organization, and will never be used again.

Tomorrow- catch-up period- last one before Xmas holidays!

Thursday- Staff vs Student Volleyball Game Block A 11:05-11:40- bring $2 or a canned good for entry!