Geology 111 Atlantic Hurricanes, Surface Temperatures and Carbon Dioxide Levels 1. Introduction Hurricanes are storm systems forming over the Atlantic and western Pacific oceans with winds exceeding 64 knots (74 mph). These storms can severely impact the coastline causing major damage as a result of high winds and the associated storm surge. Hurricanes are linked with warming ocean temperatures, but the relationship is not well understood. For this assignment, you will record the frequency and strength of hurricanes from 2010 to 2020 in the Atlantic Ocean, compare this data with average surface and ocean temperatures, and relate these parameters to carbon dioxide concentrations over the same time period. In addition, you will identify the month of greatest hurricane origination frequency. The objective of this assignment is to locate, access, evaluate and synthesize the data in order to reach conclusions. 2. Atlantic Hurricane Data (30 pts) Hurricane data is accessible at the National Hurricane Center at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/. Starting with the year 2010, record the name and wind speed of each hurricane tracked in the Atlantic Ocean (DO NOT INCLUDE TROPICAL STORMS OR DEPRESSIONS). Calculate the average wind speed of all hurricanes and count the total number of hurricanes tracked during that year. Repeat every year until 2020. Hurricane names (H or MH) and maximum wind speeds (knots) are given in the Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Track Maps (2010-2012) or in the Atlantic Annual Summary (2013-2020). Information from the year 2010 is given in the next table. In the latter table, include the month when hurricanes originate in the Atlantic Ocean Basin. This is noted in the Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Track Maps under the heading “Date”. Only use the first date when hurricanes form and only include hurricanes H or MH, not tropical storms. In the last row of the table, calculate the percentage of hurricanes originating in each month. Information from the year 2010 is given in the latter table. Year Atlantic Hurricane Name and Maximum Wind Speed of Each Hurricane (Knots) Avg. Maximum Wind Speed (Knots) Total # of Hurricanes 2010 Alex (95) Karl (110) Shary (65) 97.9 12 Danielle (115) Lisa (75) Tomas (85) Earl (125) Otto (75) Igor (135) Paula (90) Julia (120) Richard (85) 2011