Is this Armageddon-like picture from a movie or is it really a shout of New York City
(Courtesy of International Business Times)
So, is the picture above really from a movie? Shockingly, this is actually a picture of Hurricane Sandy on the eve of the day it barged its way through New York City (NYC) and the eastern seaboard. The picture taker, Jason Otts captioned the picture, “Nature is so powerful, yet so beautiful” on his Facebook page. The state expected its worst flooding in 70 years and it was possible that this could be the worst storm to hit the east cost in history according to The Telegraph. The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy was over 120 killed, $60 billion in damage, and 4 million without power. How does a storm as devastating such as this come to be? Well the environment needs to be in a perfect mixture of temperature, moisture, and wind pattern.
Diagram of air flow before a hurricane
(Courtesy of Sci Jinks)
The most important ingredient in creating a hurricane is having an adequate temperature. Hurricanes require a hot enough temperature as warm air and warm waters make conditions right for a hurricane. Hurricanes start when warm, moist air from oceans rise rapidly and they they meet cooler air. This interaction is important as the cooler air causes the warmer air to condense and forms clouds as well as rain drops. This unexpected rain releases a special type of heat, called latent heat, which warms the cool air above, making it rise and make way for more humid air form the ocean below.
Pictured is the view of a hurricane from space. When enough winds converge the spiral shape we are accustomed to appears.
(Courtesy of Atlanta Blackstar)
The direction of winds are also important when considering the formation of hurricanes. Converging winds, winds that are moving different directions that run into each other, collide at the surface pushing warm downward and moist air up. This is against usual flow as hot air sinks and cold air rises, hence a disturbance is created. With this necessary rise in air, rising air begins to compound. This turbulence increases the wind speed all while strong winds blowing at high speeds and altitudes help remove hot air rising in the newly formed storm centre.
The damage left by Hurricane Sandy
(Courtesy of Global Post)
As previously stated the United States and its neighbouring countries were left severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Many people lost their lives while others are left to rebuild them. If you would like to donate do the relief fund please visit the Red Cross.
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