JASON Mission Center : Interpreting Hurricane Data

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From: Monster Storms Mission 4: The Hunt (pp: 76)

Interpreting Hurricane Data

Scientists like Jason Dunion rely on satellite images to help them determine whether a hurricane will develop, where it might strike, and how much damage it might cause. In this lab, you will analyze the image of Hurricane Rita just before it made landfall in September 2005 to see what data it can yield.

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Argonaut alumnus jeannette d. williams-smith with jason dunion

Scientists like Jason Dunion rely on satellite images like the one you see on page 77 to help them determine whether a hurricane will develop, where it might strike, and how much damage it might cause. Scientists combine this data with additional data from land and airborne sources to form a more accurate forecast that can help save lives and property in the path of the storm. Scientists can also help clarify which communities do and do not need to evacuate. This allows for easier and safer movement of people who do need to evacuate, and helps communities save money when managing the storm event.

The image on page 77 shows Hurricane Rita just before it made landfall in September 2005. In this lab, you will analyze the image to see what data it can yield.

Materials

Lab 2 Data Sheet	ruler
Hurricane Rita satellite image p. 77

Lab Prep

How are clouds, water, and land represented in the satellite image?
What region of the United States is visible in the image?
Which states are outlined on the map?
What is happening in the whitest areas of the image? Explain.
What is happening in the areas where there are few or no clouds?

Make Observations

How far onto land do the rain bands reach? Use the scale on the image to determine the distance.
What is the overall size of the storm (in kilometers and in miles)?
In which direction is Hurricane Rita rotating? How do you know?
Where is the strongest part of the storm in this image? How do you know?
In which direction is Huricane Rita Moving?
How will Hurricane Rita change after it made landfall? how do you know?
What are the advantages to using satellite images to learn about hurricanes? What are some disadvantages?
What other images would be helpful in determining Rita’s intensity and track? Explain your answer.

Journal Question
What would you tell people who live along the coast (or inland) where Rita is approaching? What do you think cities should do before the storm to help protect their citizens?

Digital Lab
Join Jason Dunion in predicting the intensity and track of hurricanes in the Digital Lab Storm Tracker. Issue hurricane warnings to notify communities of the impending danger of the storm. Compete against other storm trackers around the world to see who is the best storm tracker.

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