Hurricane Sandy's Formation and Path
Hurricane Sandy originated in the Caribbean Sea due to specific atmospheric and oceanic conditions. The storm's development and trajectory were influenced by several key factors:
Vocabulary: Evaporation - The process of turning from liquid into vapor.
The formation of Hurricane Sandy was primarily caused by high ocean temperatures exceeding 26°C in the Caribbean Sea. This warmth led to rapid evaporation and rising air, creating a low-pressure system. As the air rose, it cooled and condensed, forming heavy rain clouds.
Definition: Low-pressure system - An area where the atmospheric pressure is lower than that of surrounding areas, often associated with unsettled weather.
Strong winds began to spiral around the center of the storm as air rushed in to replace the rising air. These winds continued to strengthen, eventually reaching hurricane force, thus forming Hurricane Sandy.
Highlight: The Gulf Stream in the Atlantic was 3 degrees warmer than normal, providing the hurricane with additional energy and power as it moved northward.
Sandy's path was unusual compared to typical hurricane patterns:
- It first moved north through the Caribbean, impacting Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
- The storm then continued north in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Instead of following the usual eastern pattern, Sandy tracked further north towards the New Jersey area.
Example: The combination of Sandy's northward track and its collision with a cold frontal system created what meteorologists termed a "superstorm."
This unique trajectory, combined with other meteorological factors, set the stage for Sandy's devastating impact on the northeastern United States.
