Download this lab as a Word document: Lab 2: Hurricanes [1] (Please download required files below.)
In this lab, we will observe the tracks of the largest storms of the last century, and learn about the impacts of those storms on land.
The goals of the lab are:
There are two Google Earth maps to load, the first, Hurricane Tracks [2]kmz [2] file [2], shows tracks of storms from 1900 to 2017. The second, Temperature Anomalies [3]kmz [3] file [3], shows average August temperatures for each year calculated relative to the average temperature between 1900 and 1910. You can switch back and forth between maps. Both maps have sliders at the top left of the screen that allow you to look at storms as well as temperature over time. The storm tracks have points that show the wind speed and pressure at different stages in its development. We definitely recommend that you don’t try to look at the storms all at once or you will see a maze of lines. Please make sure that the slider at the top left has the relevant range of dates on it, otherwise, you will not be able to view tracks for the desired storm. Also, there are a few storms including Betsy whose names do not show unless you zoom in close. Note also, we break up the 2000-2010 and 2010-2017 decades.
As in the lab for Module 1, we begin with some practice questions that you can take in the Lab 2 practice submission, where you will receive the answers to the questions. Once you feel good about these questions, move on to the graded assignment. If you have any questions about the practice questions, please let us know. Remember, you only get one attempt at the graded assignment.
The video below will help you with operations in Google Earth. We HIGHLY recommend you watch it to learn exactly how to manipulate the files and use the historical imagery.
Video: Controls for Module 2 Lab (06:35)
Part A. In the first part of the lab, we look at the tracks of hurricanes. You will need to look for the storm names. Load the name of the storm once you have found it and click on a point to find the wind speed and pressure. For certain storms, we will include the storm surge as well as the precipitation in areas near the landfall. You will also need to observe the elevation of areas close to the coast and look at historical imagery to determine the impact of the storm on coastal communities.
A. About half of the town would be flooded
B. None of the town would be flooded
C. All of the town would be flooded
Part B. In the second part of the lab, we will observe the change in temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean over the last century that is related to the generation of more powerful hurricanes. Load and turn on the temperature anomaly kmz. By pressing the year buttons on the left, you can observe the temperature anomalies in August every five years (from 1910 to 2000) and annually from (2000 to 2017) relative to the average temperature from 1900 to 1910 file.
Center the map over the Atlantic Ocean so you can see Africa as well as North America including the Gulf of Mexico. As we have learned, the warmer the temperature the more energy to fuel hurricanes as well as the ability to hold more moisture.
A. 1965
B. 1975
C. 1985
D. 1995
E. 2005
Which year would temperatures in the Atlantic have been favorable for hurricane development?
A. 1960
B. 2017
C. 1990
D. 2000
E. 2007
What is the general trend for temperature change between 1900 and 2017?
A. Warming
B. Cooling
C. Stayed consistent
Which decade would have been slow for hurricane generation in the Atlantic based on temperatures?
A. 2000-2010
B. 1990-2000
C. 1970-1980
Links
[1] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/earth103/sites/www.e-education.psu.edu.earth103/files/Earth%20103%20Lab%202.0.docx
[2] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/earth103/sites/www.e-education.psu.edu.earth103/files/module02/Hurricane%20Tracks.kmz
[3] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/earth103/sites/www.e-education.psu.edu.earth103/files/module02/Temperature%20Anomalies.kmz
[4] https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/