Univeristy Park ONLY: Formative Assessment I: Option A: Historical Hurricane Track Analysis: Cyclone Monica

Tracking Storms and Evaluating Tsunami Impacts

Background: In this module assessment, we will explore two different types of coastal catastrophes. Significant databases have been developed by various government agencies and others to help share information about extratropical and tropical storms systems. In part one of the formative assessment, you will be asked to show your understanding of how and where tropical storms are generated, how they move and ultimately how they impact shorelines and communities around the world. To address the questions below, you will need to explore the Historical Hurricane Tracks database as well as the world deadliest tropical cyclones page available at weather underground.

Instructions: Accessing the historical hurricane tracks database is relatively easy, but refer to the video to help if you experience any difficulties. For additional information about Cyclone Monica, you may also access this IBTrACS resource. Your answers to the questions should be submitted through the course Dropbox as indicated by your instructor.

Files

Download the Worksheet (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 15kB Sep7 16)

Download the Rubric (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 16kB Sep7 16)

Part I Questions: Tracking Cyclone Monica, 2006

1. Using the Historical Hurricane Tracks database find Cyclone Monica that occurred in 2006. This storm is reported to be Australia's largest cyclone in terms of wind speed. On what date did the storm develop its first Category 1 status?
2. The mean sustained winds (MSW) at this point were about ____ knots?
3. Cyclone Monica was downgraded to a TS on the evening of April 19, 2006 after it made its first landfall in Far North, Queensland. Why did the storm lose some of its power when it hit land?
4. What was the MSW (in knots) when the storm made its second landfall?
5. The third and most significant landfall was centered on Junction Bay just about 20 miles northwest of Maningrida, Northern Territory. Given what you know about cyclone rotation direction in the southern hemisphere, and what you have learned about the role of geography and geology of coastal landforms, do you think that storm surge would have been higher in the area of Marchinbar Island (second landfall site) or in the area of its third landfall at Junction Bay? Be able to support your answer with specific reasons.
6. From start to finish after its third landfall, what was the life cycle of Cyclone Monica (in days)? Do you think this is particularly long, or do you think this is an average lifespan for a tropical storm system?

Part II Questions: Analysis of Other "Large-Scale" Tropical Storms

1. Based on your survey of the websites identified in this module and your readings, what ocean area and country of the world have the deadliest tropical storms?
2. Given that one country in particular has had 6 out of 10 of the most catastrophic storm events in terms of deaths, why has this region has had such large numbers of people killed? Your answer should delineate something about the geography, geology, and geomorphology of the region and how specifically this contributes to the large number of deaths. To help answer this question, you will want to refer back to Unit 1: Modules 2 and 3 for assistance if needed.
3. How about the deadliest storms in the U.S? Provide the name, date, intensity, and number of deaths for the top 3 storms in U.S. history. (U.S.deadliest hurricanes/tropical cyclones page available at weather underground)
   
4. According to weather underground, prior to Hurricane Sandy, what were the top three most costly hurricanes in U.S. in terms of monetary impact? What was the combined total of these storms?