hurricanes, national parks, climate graphs

Question 1

definition hurricanes:

Answer 1

hurricanes are the most violent storms on earth.

Question 2

scientific name:

Answer 2

tropical cyclone

Question 3

difference between hurricane and typhoon:

Answer 3

hurricane: storms forming over Atlantic or East Pacific

typhoon: name for these storms forming in the Indian ocean or West Pacific

Question 4

anatomy of a hurricane:

Answer 4

The main parts of a tropical cyclone are the rainbands, the eye, and the eyewall.

eyewall: ring of clouds
rainbands: curved bands of cloud

Question 5

how do hurricanes form?

Answer 5

• they need: warm, moist air (around equatorial region, over atlantic, pacific)
• at first, warm, moist air rises from ocean surface-> air condensates on its way up forming thunderstorm clouds (cumulonimbus)
• then, winds begin blowing in circular pattern around a center (eye)
  -> winds gather up a cluster of huge thunderstorm clouds

Question 6

locations:

Answer 6

equatorial region up to 30 degrees north
- 15% are to be found in atlantic ocean

Question 7

warnings:

Answer 7

• forecast advisories are broadcast (tv) -> inform citizens about expected strength and track and which coastal regions are affected (prepare and protect public safety)
• important bc minimise impacts

Question 8

dangers:

Answer 8

• high seas (up to 15m)
• storm surge -> flood, up to several meters
• heavy rain
• tornadoes -> tropical cyclones sometimes form tornadoes

Question 9

measurement:

Answer 9

• using the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale to categorise hurricanes
  -> 1: no significant structural damage, can uproot trees, flooding
  -> 3: structural damage to small buildings

Question 10

how to analyse climate graph:

Answer 10

1: introduction- location, height above sea level

2: description of t-curve: average annual t., t-min, t-max, t-amplitude (diff. between tmin and tmax, substrahieren)

3: p-curve: total annual p., p-min, p-max

4: comparison of t- and p-curve: humid and arid months

5: analysis: climate zone, climate classification, winds/ocean currents, height, location

Question 11

definition national park:

Answer 11

• there are around 420 national park sites in USA
• cover more than 85million acres
• include landmarks, battle fields, historic parks, lakeshores, seashores, parts of ocean, recreation areas, even white house
• most popular: national parks, national monuments

Question 12

national park:

Answer 12

• designated by congress (bundesrat)
• largely protected for scenic, inspirational and educational value
• only in 27 states, 62 tota
  -> Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, the great smoky mountains

Question 13

national monument:

Answer 13

• designated by president
• more broadly preserved for cultural, historic or scientific values
• found in every state
  -> Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C, Muir woods NM, CA

Question 14

The Grand Canyon: historical aspects

Answer 14

• special issues and milestones:
  • 12000 years ago, people lived in caves (native tribes) -> sacred place
  • declared as non profitable
  • 1908 - national monument
  • 1919 - finally declared as national park, must protect them
  • 17th NP