1. Hurricanes
A REVIEW
CGF3M
Tues. Dec. 17, 2013

2. 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

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

5. Damages from Hurricanes
Violent Winds- can topple buildings, rip roofs off structures, tear up trees by the roots, and fling debris through the air.
Storm Surges- occur when strong winds drive a wall of water onto land. Can cause death by drowning, and extensive flooding.
Flooding- heavy rains are associated with hurricanes. Flooding often disrupts transportation and communication networks which are vital for rescue

6. Hurricane Katrina
Yesterday, you read a case study about Hurricane Katrina
Video: Katrina, day by day
Why 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

7. Hurricane Katrina The confirmed death toll from Katrina was 1 800
Economic impact: $108 billion
80% of the city flooded, making most of the major roadways impassable
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 platforms
Redistributed over 1 million people

9. 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!