Skip to main content
 

In the Eye of the Storm

A Case Study in Natural Disasters

By Rachael A. Lancor

In the Eye of the Storm


 

Abstract

This case study of Hurricane Katrina chronicles a college student's adventures with the Hurricane Hunters, a group of people from the Air Force Reserve who fly into the middle of hurricanes to collect atmospheric data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Students learn how to predict the path of the hurricane using satellite images and about physics concepts involved in hurricane formation, such as fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Students also explore societal issues surrounding natural disasters. This case is intended for an introductory physics course, but has also been used for related courses, such as environmental geology.

   

Date Posted

03/11/2008

Overview

Objectives

  • Introduce fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.
  • See a practical application of physics and learn to recognize physical science concepts in news stories.
  • Understand the process of hurricane formation and how it is governed by fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.
  • Understand how to use storm data to predict the path of hurricanes and the damage that could result.
  • Understand the tension between science and politics.

Keywords

Hurricane Katrina; hurricane; natural disaster; thermodynamics; fluids; fluid dynamics; Carnot engine; Coriolis effect; category storm; NOAA; New Orleans; Louisiana; Florida

  

Subject Headings

Atmospheric Science
Civil Engineering
Climatology / Meteorology
Physics

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, High school

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Policy issues, Social issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

Asset 2