Super Storm SandyMidterm Essay

How does a hurricane form?• Hurricanes are fueled by warm, moist air.• Most originate in the south-eastern Atlantic Ocean.• The warm, moist air over the ocean rises therefore there

is less air left near the surface, creating a low pressure region that begins to rotate around the low pressure center.

• More clouds and precipitation form due to more warm moist air rising.

• Storms that form north of the equator spin counterclockwise. Storms south of the equator spin clockwise. This difference is because of Earth's rotation on its axis.

1. Therefore, how did Sandy moving back out to the Atlantic briefly before hitting NJ influence the power of Sandy?

2. What were the main direction of the wind gusts as Sandy hit?

3. Technically when Sandy hit US, not the Shore, winds were around 70mph making Sandy what?

4. Why are hurricanes today much larger than 20-30 years ago? WHY?

Coriolis Effect- the curving of fluids due to the fast rotation of the earth.

1. The Earth’s Axis and Coriolis Effect causes all storms to rotate ______________________ therefore, the majority of fallen trees in NJ all fell to the ________________.

2. How was the impact of Sandy different for us compared to my family in the Philly area?3. Which side of an island along the Jersey Shore would have the MOST impact from the storm

surge and WHY?

Sandy and the Jetstream:

1. Due to the weakened and dipping Jetstream, what kind of weather did they have in West Virginia with Hurricane Sandy?

2. What caused Sandy to take the famous “left hook” directly into NJ?

3. What is causing the Jetstream to become so weak, creating these blocking patterns?

Storm Surge -occurs when hurricane force winds drive a mound of ocean water towards the costal areas.

1. What really creates the storm surge?2. What natural protection from the storm surge was removed causing devastating impact to the

NJ shore?3. If it was a Full Moon when Sandy hit, how did this impact the storm surge?

Clouds and Precipitation with Sandy1. What type of clouds

would be observed at Area A?

2. What type of clouds would be located at Area B?

3. Based on the Satellite image, which Area would have more rain and which area would have more wind, C or D?

A

Bc

D