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Lesson 8: Storm Characteristics and Storm Surge Damage

Hurricanes and other tropical systems are categorized by their intensity using a scale from 1 – 5. All other factors being equal, a storm with an intensity of “5” is the most powerful storm. What are the various storm characteristics that affect the intensity of a storm and ultimately, the amount of storm surge damage done to property and people? Strap down all loose objects and start this investigation.

Doing the science

  1. Start the Storm Surge Simulation by clicking on the “Simulation” tab.
  2. Select “Storm Factors.”
  3. Select “Storm Intensity.”
  4. Choose one of the five different storm intensities.
  5. Make sure to keep all other factors constant, that is, do not change storm size, forward speed, or location.
  6. Click on the “Run” icon.
  7. Record in Table 1 the Pressure and Wind Speed values displayed under Storm Factors.
  8. Record the Cost and Damage values displayed in the Damage Assessment portion of the screen in Table 1 below.
  9. Select the “Reset” button. Again, click on “Storm Intensity.” Select a different intensity from step #3. Repeat steps #5 – 8.
  10. Repeat step #8 for other storm intensities. Make sure to test and record all five storm intensity values.
  11. Select the “Reset” button.
  12. Select “Storm Size.”
  13. Choose one of the three different storm sizes.
  14. Make sure to keep all other factors constant, that is, do not change storm intensity, forward speed, or location.
  15. Click on the “Run” icon.
  16. Record in Table 2 the Pressure and Wind Speed values displayed under Storm Factors.
  17. Record the Cost and Damage values displayed in the Damage Assessment portion of the screen in Table 2 below.
  18. Select the “Reset” button. Again, click on “Storm Size.” Select a different size from step #12. Repeat steps #13 –16.
  19. Repeat step #17 for the last storm size.
  20. Select the “Reset” button.
  21. Select the “Forward Speed” button.
  22. Choose one of the three different storm speeds.
  23. Make sure to keep all other factors constant, that is, do not change storm intensity, storm size, or location.
  24. Click on the “Run” icon.
  25. Record in Table 3 the Pressure and Wind Speed values displayed under Storm Factors.
  26. Record the Cost and Damage values displayed in the Damage Assessment portion of the screen in Table 3 below.
  27. Select the “Reset” button. Again, click on “Forward Speed.” Select a different speed from step #21. Repeat steps #22 –26.
  28. Repeat step #26 for the last storm speed.

Table 1.

Storm Intensity

Pressure

(mb)

Wind Speed

(mph)

Cost of Damage ($)

Damage Factor

1

2

3

4

5

Do You Understand?

  1. In this simulation, you were asked to note the pressure associated with the storm. What pressure was measured in this simulation and what is the cause of this pressure?


  2. Analyzing your data, what is the relationship between storm pressure and storm intensity?


  3. How is wind speed related to storm pressure?


  4. Describe from an atmospheric point of view why the relationship you described in question #3 exists.


  5. How does storm intensity impact the damage done by a storm surge?


  6. Which storms do the most damage due to storm surge: large or small storms? Please support your answer with evidence.


  7. Which storms do the most damage due to storm surge: fast moving or slow-moving storms? Support your answer with evidence.


  8. Is good weather usually associated with high-pressure air masses or low-pressure air masses? Please support your response with evidence.