Tropical Cyclones Heta and Katrina

Focus Statements. natural and cultural characteristics (features) of the environments that make them vulnerable to the extreme natural event(s) natural processes that operate to produce the extreme natural event(s) effects of the extreme natural event(s) on the natural environments effects of the extreme natural event(s) on the cultural environments how different groups of people have responded to the effects of the extreme natural event(s).

Weather Map reading and air pressure (n) Air pressure always moves from high to low pressure. When an area has low pressure in the middle and close isobars it shows that it is extremely windy. When an area has high pressure and the isobars are far apart it means that it is probably warm and still. Low pressure systems have rising air that is being heated therefore it is light. High pressure systems have sinking air that is cooling therefore is more dense.

Weather processes\Weather maps presentation.pptx

Tropical Cyclones!!! Tropical Cyclones are areas of extreme low pressure. This low pressure creates violent storms that are characterised by winds over 100km/h and heavy rainfall. They have caused the loss of life on a number of occasions due to there intensity. In parts of Australia they are called Willy Willies, Asia they are called Typhoons, Northern Hemisphere they are called Hurricanes. So lets look at what creates them.

Climatic Processes Heating of the sun at the equator causes air to rise creating an area of extreme low pressure near the earths surface. The air that is heated by the sun rises into the upper atmosphere, where it cools and condenses (becomes heavier), descends at latitudes 25 degrees n+s. (Remember sinking air is low pressure) As high pressure always moves towards low winds are created. These are known as the trade winds. These winds converge 5 degrees North and south in a area known as the ITCZ.

Climatic Conditions (c) Hadley cell.

The Trade winds: Where the trade winds meet rainstorms occur (frontal rainfall) They meet at the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

How a TC forms 5 Step diagram Copy in Processes above and on earth diagram pg 109. Summarise into 3 step diagram (exam)

Tropical Cyclones TC’s in the Southern Hemisphere move in a south-easterly due to the trade winds and the spinning effect of the tropical cyclone. Once the cyclone has reached the eye there is a period of calm followed by winds in the opposite direction these repeat the process of the earlier winds. When a cyclone cannot produce enough latent heat to feed itself or it reaches a large land mass it looses strength and becomes a depression again. Questions: Pg 108. processes\CYCLONE PROCESSES cloze.docx

Physical Changes How do tropical cyclones affect the land? Violent waves Storm Surges Storm Waves Heavy rainfall. Read pages 114,118 answers questions.

Physical Changes Brainstorm what are the earth altering affects of cyclones? Brainstorm how these conditions alter the land. (Think if somehow a cyclone formed over Dunedin. I.e. wind can break off branches. Notes natural environment\Tropical Cyclones effect on natural environment brief notes.doc

Anatomy of a tropical cyclone

Birds eye view

High Islands Tropical cyclones affect high Islands in a different way to low Islands. High Islands are usually volcanic mountainous Islands like those of Hawaii. Due to their altitude they are more prone to the effects of wind, and erosion often in the form of landslides.

High Island

Low Island Low Islands are also called coral atolls and they literally are very low to the ocean. Some don’t get more than 5 metres above sea level. These islands are more prone to flooding, either from rain, storm surges or high seas.

Low Island

Drawing the islands Draw each island and the effects it feels from page 112. Each island should be drawn ½ page in size.

Cultural Environment Tropical Cyclones affect the social environment in a large number of ways. These affects are either economic or Social. Economic is referring to how the affect the flow of money in the area they strike. Social is how the affect the way people move and interact in their daily life. The affects of Tropical Cyclones are usually Negative i.e. loss of life however there are also times when they have benefits for people.

Activity Using the template write the following effects of TC’s into the top boxes. High seas, storm surges, heavy rain, Strong winds. In the second row of boxes explain what problems these things could create. In the 3rd column explain how these problems could affect the economy. Do it Neatly!!!!!!

Activity Using these words create another diagram: High seas, Storm surge, heavy rain, strong winds. Explain what these conditions lead to.’ Explain how these affect people’s day to day living.

Preparing for before, during and after a TC. For the people who live in areas where cyclones form (Pacific Islands) TC’s are inevitable. People in these areas have made and are making adjustments to their lives so TC’s don’t affect them as much in the future. These adjustments can occur either before during or after the TC has struck.

Before during and after. Groups of 3-4 diagram: How could we prepare for a tropical cyclone. Create notes using pages 120-123 put each paragraph into your own words. This is also homework. Do activities page 123.

NIUE

NIUE Title Niue and Tropical Cyclone Heta! Read through Pasifika book answer the following question including Question within Answer: What kind of Island is Niue? How high are the cliffs around the ocean? What height does Niue dip to in the middle? Why would this potentially be hazardous for cyclones? What is the rock that makes up the Island of Niue?

Cyclone Heta Cyclone Heta was a powerful category 5 cyclone that caused massive damages to Tonga, Niue, and American Samoa in late December 2003. Heta ended up causing 207 million dollars worth of damage to the pacific Islands it came in contact with.

Heta: (Formation) Ocean in the pacific was heated to 27 degrees C. Heta formed January 1 2004 over a deserted part of pacific ocean just south of Tokelau. This is the cyclone season due to suns position. Heta formed at 10 degrees south of the equator where trade winds are strong. Heta air pressure = 915hpa Winds of over 250 km/h

Heta

Heta Hits Niue Cyclone Heta travelled south east towards the small atoll of Niue which would feel the full force. Using pages 111-113 construct a timeline of the events for Cyclone Heta.

Heta hits the natural environment (n) Niue is a small coral atoll of only 250 square km located 19 degrees south of the equator. Niue’s highest point if only 68 metres above sea level. These factors combined with the 7 metre storm surge and the 10 metre waves and 300km/h gusts of wind meant the damage that was done to Niue and its capital Alofi was extensive.

The damage Mass flooding Buildings and buildings roofs being ripped clean off. Coral Deposition from reefs 200m below sea level Salinisation of fresh water supply Eroding of banks in the north Mass vegetation stripping from wind and.. Vegetation being stripped from salt spray.

Dimitry Viliamu’s home

Hotel Niue

Coastal township

Fuel Tank

Claytons bar

Hotel Niue

Huanaki culture centre

Hotel Niue

Niue’s Telecom Dish

Niue adventure and Alofi Rentals

Dive Niue

Carmen Fuinui’s home.

Heta affects the natural landscape Small coral atoll of only 256 square km. Heta flooded Niue with 4-7m storm surges and 10 metre waves that washed 100m inland Coral was removed from the reef and deposited onto the beach front by the storm surge. Storm surge eroded the beach front and created steep banks. It also demolished substantial amounts of vegetation on its way. Coral reef was removed from 200m below sea level. Salt water contaminated fresh water.

Continued Wind gusts up to 300 km/h caused severe damage 80% of the trees had their foliage ripped off. Coconut trees were uprooted. Some of the foliage that remained was killed by the salt spray that was whipped up by the wind and killed vegetation The huge period of drought after the cyclone provided the island with a large fire risk

Social effects of Cyclone Heta One life lost. Hundreds of homes destroyed. 200 residents made homeless – 10% of population. The hospital was basically destroyed. Fresh water supplies contaminated with salt water Sewage pumps no longer worked. No running water available. People traumatised and needing counselling.

Economic Effects Clean-up costs $20 million (emergency response and start of recovery) Estimated cost of rebuilding is over $25 million. Hotel Niue destroyed. $240,000 loss of crops, i.e. coconut and fruit plantations. Loss of tourism income from expected 2700 tourists (based on 2003 statistics) Satellite dishes and phone systems knocked out. Bulk fuel storage facility ruined and all fuel leaked into the sea.

Activity cultural environment\economic social effects heta.doc Match them into the correct category: Social or Economic.

Preparing for a Tropical Cyclone If a TC was going to hit NZ.. Especially Dunedin what kind of things would you do to prepare? Answer this as a think pair share activity…

Preparing for Tropical Cyclones Boats were secured to the wharfs and some were taken off the ocean and put inland. Families began watching the Ocean. Important clothes were packed away in case people were homeless for an extended period of time. Wooden shutters were put over windows to try and minimise the effects of strong winds. Cars were filled with petrol and parked away so people didn’t steal gas.

Preparing for Television aerials were removed and loose items were secured. Emergency meeting places were agreed in carmen’s case it was the High Commission building. Every available water container was filled. First aid kits were gathered

Response to Heta Read pasifika book (Carmens story) Document how people responded

Response to Heta Land use Zoning and Buffering zones Growing mainly root crops such as taro and Yams Build on elevated areas of the island Build reliable communications networks that are secure. Strict building codes which can withstand strong winds and rains. Good meteorological services which leave people with adequate time to prepare. Educating public on how to prepare for a Cyclone. Insurance policies in place Identification of flood prone areas Build flood proof structures such as stop banks Have an emergency plan set-up Grow crops that can be harvested before the cyclone season.

How other Countries Responded NZ and Aussie military aid workers arrived and assisted in urgent relief, such as dist of food and medicines. Evacuation centres were set up to assist hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed. NZ Gave 5 million and the EU gave over 700,000. NZ sent two airforce hercules plus ships with supplies to help rebuild. A donor team comprising representatives from seven countries worked with NZ authorities to help with relief efforts. Seventy eight people were airlifted to NZ four of them required medical treatment.

Cont Re-establishment of agriculture and tourism began. Nzers and Niueans learnt a lesson and rebuilt in more protected areas. It was decided that the capital Alofi be relocated in the centre of the island.

Hurricane Katrina!!!! Katrina was a category 5 hurricane (northern hemisphere) That hammered the southern coast of the USA. It caused the most extensive damage to the state of Louisiana. Katrina struck August 29th 2005.

Where did Katrina hit? USA STATE MAP hand out. Katrina hit the following states locate and label them on your map. Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, (Ohio,Kentucky floods)

The force of Katrina 2500mm of Rainfall fell over Louisiana. 8.5 metre storm surge 300 km/h winds 10 m storm waves. Winds were sustained at 285 km/h for over one minute!

Processes Using pg 122 geog on edge: Where did Katrina Form? When did Katrina form? When did Katrina make landfall with the gulf Coast?

Processes Hurricane Katrina occurred in 2005 and was the costliest natural disaster in the USA’s history. 1836 people died, and it caused $81 billion worth of damage. Katrina formed over the Bahamas August 23rd and flew over Florida as a category one hurricane. The storm then moved into the gulf of Mexico where it strengthened into a category 5 hurricane and did most of its damage. This Natural disaster caused substantial damage to the natural environment in the USA but it was the social problems which were the most well documented.

Processes Katrina’s eye was 46.3 kilometres in diameter Barometric pressure of 902 hpa Wind speeds of over 280 kp/h Hurricane Katrina formed over the Bahamas The ocean was 27 degrees prior to the hurricane forming katrina info\Hurricane_KATRINA_aweson_formation.wmv

Why was Katrina such a disaster… Katrina bought with it floods, rain, wind and storm surges just the normal stuff that a cyclone brings…Absolutely! So why was Katrina such a shocker?

Lousiana

Cultural Environment Use Geography on the edge to explain the effects of Katrina on the Cultural Environment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RVHDlPqZWE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IblL_rXpdu8&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pD1aVJaRsM&feature=fvsr

Cultural Environment. Hurricane Katrina cost 81 billion US dollars (rebuilding) Much of Louisiana lies below sea-level, Lake Ponchartrian and Mississippi river. 80% of the 1.3 million residents evacuated. Louisiana Superdome provided shelter for over 26,000 people and provided food and water for several days as the storm struck. Three million people left without electricity. The Airport was closed therefore people could not evacuate One Murder and one suicide occurred at the Superdome Dead bodies were seen floating around the streets of New Orleans Many of the rich were able to evacuate while the poorer largely black community were not able to evacuate. Looters took what they could from stores. The relocated evacuee’s caused massive crime spikes in neighbouring states who took them in. Murders, robberies etc all increased with the influx of people from New Orleans.

Natural Landscape Katrina had massive effects on the Natural Landscape… Use Geography on the Edge to explain the effects of Katrina on the Natural Environment

The effects on the Landscape As part of the clean-up effort the flooded land was pumped into lake Pontchartrian. This water contained contaminants such as raw sewage and has sparked scientific concern for the community. An area of 560 km2 was completely transformed into water by Katrina The storm surge also completely obliterated the Chandeleur Islands. Katrina caused substantial beach erosion and in some areas completely destroyed coastal areas. The land that was lost was breeding grounds for a number of marine mammals, birds and fish.

Responding to… 62.3 billion in aid was given for the victims. Housing assistance was provided for more than 700,000 applicants. FEMA also paid for the hotel costs of 12,000 individuals. 100,000 people live in FEMA provided trailors. Two weeks after the storm, more than half of the states were involved in providing shelter for evacuees. Kuwait donated $500 million, Qatar and The U.A.E each gave 100 million. Other nations to give aid were South Korea (30 million), Australia (10 million), India, China (5 million), NZ (2 million), Pakistan (1.5 million), and Bangladesh (1 million). Many other nations provided aid in the form of tarps, medikits and other aid.