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Understanding Hurricanes: Characteristics, Formation, and Climate Change Impacts

This comprehensive overview explores the defining characteristics of hurricanes, including sustained winds of over 120 km/h, low sea level pressure, and typical sizes with cloud shields exceeding 400 km in diameter. Key factors affecting hurricane development include warm tropical waters above 27°C and minimal wind shear, primarily occurring in the Atlantic season from June to November. The piece also discusses the impact of climate change on hurricane activity, challenges of the Saffir-Simpson scale, and the variability in storm intensity and effects like storm surge and landfalls.

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Understanding Hurricanes: Characteristics, Formation, and Climate Change Impacts

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  1. Hurricane characteristics • Sustained winds of 120 km or more • Sea level pressure < than 990 mb • Varying sizes but cloud shield usually > 400 km diameter • Warm tropical waters > 27°C (~80) • Atlantic Season • June – November • Peak: Mid August – Early October

  2. Controlled by large surface pressure systems Steered by orientation and position of subtropical high Controlled by upper-level flow Vary by time of year Will dissipate over land or colder water Hurricane movement & dissipation

  3. Hurricane genesis

  4. Hurricane Development • Coriolis Force • Atlantic Formation usually between 10 – 20°N • Water above 27°C • Little wind shear

  5. Tornadoes

  6. One closed isobar: Tropical Depression (receives number) 60 km/h winds:Tropical Storm (receives name) 120 km/h winds: Hurricane These vary worldwide Levels of storm

  7. Landfalls

  8. Storm surge and wind variability

  9. Climate change and hurricanes ???? A sign of the future Or natural variability

  10. Problems with the Saffir Simpson Scale • Pre-landfall Warning Scale • Was the storm as strong as advertised? • Uniform Rating • Focuses on wind speed and accompanying surge • SURGE discrepancies! • Duration? • Size? • Precipitation? • Gusts • Surface friction, topography

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