Gulf University For Science And Technology ENVR103 Weather

Gulf University for Science and Technology ENVR103 Weather & Climate Presentation

Form groups of up to 3 students each. Select a topic about a weather phenomenon or a weather concept to study and present it. You can select a topic from the list provided below, or you can choose to select one on your own topic. You can send me a list of 3 topics ordered by preference and I will choose for you based on the availability of the topics. Send me an email with the names, IDs, section number, and your topic. Wait for a confirmation email from me before you start working on your outline. Prepare a 1-page bullet points outline for the presentation. Schedule a meeting with me to review and approve the outline. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation about your topic. Your presentation should be 12 to 15 minutes (max) per group so that we can have a few minutes for questions and answers. All group members need to present in the presentation. Use visual aids, graphs, and historical statistics to strengthen your presentation. I will post the presentation evaluation guidelines later. Ensure you explain the atmospheric conditions that cause the phenomenon to occur, discuss its commonality or severity, and specify the geographic zones where it mostly occurs. The due date for submission of slides is Sunday, May 1st via the MYGUST portal. The presentations will be conducted during the final week of classes on May 2nd and 4th.

Paper For Above instruction

Weather phenomena profoundly influence human societies and ecosystems worldwide. Understanding these phenomena involves examining their atmospheric conditions, geographical distribution, severity, and frequency. This paper explores a selected weather phenomenon—tornadoes—to highlight the atmospheric dynamics leading to their formation, their regional prevalence, and their impact.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from thunderstorms to the ground, characterized by their destructive power and distinct funnel-shaped appearance. They typically form within supercell thunderstorms—large, rotating storms with a mesocyclone—that develop due to specific atmospheric conditions. Key factors that contribute to tornado formation include a combination of atmospheric instability, wind shear, and moisture availability. Specifically, the interaction between warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cooler, dry air descending from the upper atmosphere creates the conditions necessary for severe thunderstorms and, subsequently, tornadoes in regions such as the central United States—often referred to as "Tornado Alley."

The atmospheric conditions necessary for tornado development involve a mixture of high instability and wind shear—the change in wind speed and direction with altitude. The instability is driven by warm, moist air near the surface, often originating from tropical sources, which overlays cooler and drier air aloft. Wind shear, especially directional shear, causes the horizontal rotation of air, which can be tilted vertically by thunderstorms to produce rotating updrafts called mesocyclones. When these mesocyclones intensify, they can produce tornadoes, sometimes with devastating force. The severity of tornadoes varies widely, from weak (EF0) to violent (EF5), with the most intense tornadoes exhibiting wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour.

Tornadoes are most prevalent in North America, particularly in Tornado Alley, which spans parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. This region’s unique geographical and atmospheric conditions—such as the presence of flat plains that facilitate the mixing of warm and cold air masses and seasonal meteorological patterns—make it especially conducive to tornado formation. Although tornadoes can occur in other parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Australia, their frequency and intensity are generally lower outside North America.

The severity and impact of tornadoes depend on various factors, including their strength, size, and the population density of affected areas. Stronger tornadoes can cause massive destruction, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and economic losses. The occurrence of tornadoes is seasonal, with peak activity in the spring and early summer months when atmospheric conditions are most favorable for severe thunderstorms. Advances in meteorology and early warning systems have improved preparedness, yet the destructive potential of tornadoes remains a significant concern for vulnerable regions.

In conclusion, tornadoes exemplify the complex interplay of atmospheric dynamics, geographical features, and seasonal patterns that characterize weather phenomena. Their formation hinges on specific atmospheric conditions involving instability and wind shear. Their regional concentration in Tornado Alley underscores the importance of understanding local geography and climate for effective forecasting and hazard mitigation. Continued research and technological advancements are essential for improving early warning systems and reducing the risk posed by these powerful natural events.

References

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