Hurricanes are huge storms. They can spread 600 miles across and have a speed between 75 to 200 mph. Hurricanes can last over 1 week. “They gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the sea water increases their power.” (http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-hurricane.htm)
Hurricanes move in a counter clockwise direction in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere. The center of the storm is called an “eye” and it is the calmest part of the storm.
Hurricanes are a very big problem because they cause a lot of damage and destruction. The heavy winds destroy trees and building and the heavy rain causes floods and landslides that ruin things in their way like cars and houses. Scientists can sometimes see when a hurricane is coming from the satellite however they cannot predict exactly where it is going to hit precisely. At the most, they can only know which country.
Hurricanes are related to liquids and gases. They are related to liquids because evaporation from the seawater increases their power and also cause floods. They are related to gases because of the heavy winds(which is a gas) that are a part of a hurricane. instruments used to understand hurricanes are:
1 Satelites: “The ability to detect and track severe storms has been dramatically enhanced by the advent of weather satellites. Satellites have also helped scientists understand the mechanisms that drive hurricane formation and development.” (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Hurricanes/hurricanes_4.)Dropsondes: are instruments used to determine wind speed by measuring the wind, humidity and air pressure.Satellites: Satellite images are very important to forecasters because by putting into motion several hours of satellite pictures, they can gather information about the path and development of the hurricaneDoppler radar: can detect rain associated with hurricanes. provides estimates of rainfall amounts and gives a picture of a hurricane's rain bands, its eye, and its eye wall.Hurricane hunters: The planes carry radar, sophisticated computers, and weather instruments that determine things such as temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and wind direction inside the hurricane. The crews release instruments that measure temperature (thermometers), air pressure (barometer), and wind at different levels as the devices drops through the hurricane toward the ocean. a. What do we do about it? (Prediction, response, clean up)
We understand hurricanes by knowing how strong the winds are, the pressure in inches, storm surge in feet and damage (minimal, moderate, extreme). By using instruments like satellites and radars scientists are able to understand how hurricanes form, develop and where they are and are heading so they can issue hurricane watches and warnings. Meteorologists work very hard at constantly monitoring systems as they move, issue hurricane watches and hurricane warning.
Hurricane warnings:“During a hurricane warning, complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.” www.oceanservice.noaa.gov
A hurricane watch: means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance“During a hurricane watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.”
