Download Tropical Storms Lesson 5

Tropical Storms:
Hurricanes and Cyclones
UNIT 10
STANDARDS: NCES 2.5.2, 2.5.3,
2.5.5, 2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.6.4
LESSON 5

Lesson Objectives

In this lesson, you will learn about:




Identify where tropical storms form
Describe the life cycle of a hurricane
Recognize the dangers of hurricanes
Explore the recent hurricanes in NC
Tropical Cyclones or Hurricanes



Cyclones are the most
violent type of storm on
Earth.
Large rotating low
pressure storms that
form over the tropics.
The storm grows
because of the
tremendous amount of
energy from the warm
tropical air and waters.




The warm air begins to
rise and water vapor
condenses.
As more energy is
released during the rain,
the storm grows.
The rising warm air
causes low-pressure areas
and pulls more warm air
in.
This produces a rotation
of the air and they
beginnings of the storm.
Where NC Hurricanes come from
Cyclonic Storms

Formation



Summer has the
greatest amount of
energy (heat)
Form over warm
waters
Movement

Move westward due
to the Earth’s spin
until they hit land
Stages of Development




Tropical
Disturbance
Tropical
Depression
Tropical Storm
Tropical
Cyclone




A traveling tropical low is the first
stage.
When the disturbance has formed a
low-pressure system with circulating
winds
Winds in the center between 65-74
mph, pressure falls
Winds in excess of 75 mph with the
formation of an eye.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Classifies on:



Wind Speed
Air pressure
Property
damage
Hurricane Parts

The “Eye” is the most
notable part, see below.
Note the direction of
the wind rotation.
Storm Surge (Animation)

Storm Surge is when the hurricane winds force a
mound of water toward land. As the water
rushes over land, it causes localized flooding.
Hurricane Advisories


The National Hurricane
Center is responsible for
tracking and forecasting
the intensity and
movement.
They issue hurricane
projections and local
warnings to evacuate.
Famous Hurricanes






Watch the following
clips.
Hurricane Fran
Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Katrina
Top 10 Hurricanes

Answer the following:



What area of the US
was impacted?
What was the effect on
NC?
How would you relate
the hurricane intensity
when it made landfall
and the destructive
Section Review 10.5.1



Identify the four main stages of a
tropical cyclone.
What two conditions must exists for a
tropical cyclone to form.
Suppose you live in an area where a
Category 5 hurricane is projected to hit.
What should you do and when? Your
choice could mean life or death as seen
in Hurricane Katirna.