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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.
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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
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
Hurricane Development • Coriolis Force • Atlantic Formation usually between 10 – 20°N • Water above 27°C • Little wind shear
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
Climate change and hurricanes ???? A sign of the future Or natural variability
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