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Activity Sheet: Web-based Hurricane Investigation

Part 1: What is a hurricane?

Using the website http://www.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/science.htm, observe the simulations and answer the following:

1. What is a hurricane?

2. What is the typical life cycle of a hurricane?

3. How is a “storm surge” dangerous to people and property?

Part 2: How do scientists investigate hurricanes?

Using the website, http://www.weather.unisys.com/hurricane/index.html, investigate the scientific data and answer the following:

1. In what parts of the world do hurricanes occur?

2. How do scientists characterize hurricanes?

3. What measurements do scientists record while investigating hurricanes?

4. Describe the hurricanes that have occurred in Virginia in the last ten years.

5. What was the worst hurricane of 2001 and why do you consider it the worst?

2002 - 2005 - All rights reserved.CCITL documents may be reproduced for instructional purposes provided their source is identified.

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2002 - 2005 - All rights reserved.CCITL documents may be reproduced for instructional purposes provided their source is identified.

6. Describe Hurricane Andrew (August 16-28, 1992), considered one of the most destructivehurricanes to hit the United States mainland.

7. How do scientists investigate hurricanes?

8. Using information from the website, write a question of personal interest and answer it.

Part 3: What major storms and hurricanes are happening today? How will they affect people and property?

Using the website http://www.usatoday.com/weather/stormcenter/front.htm, investigate today’s storm activity and answer the following:

1. What major storms recently occurred in the United States?

2. Using the national weather maps at http://www.usatoday.com/weather/alertpic/walertusa.htm, plot where one storm is now and where you predict the storm will be 24, 48, and 72 hours from now. You will check your predictions tomorrow and re-plot your 24, 48, and 72-hour predictions. (If you are doing this on a computer, copy and paste the picture here unless otherwise instructed).

3. Where else in the world are there severe storms or hurricanes today?

4. Which storms are of greatest concern to humans and why?

5. If a severe hurricane was predicted to travel through the area where you live, how would you prepare?