While some catastrophic events occur without any notice, like earthquakes, some events, like severe weather and volcanic eruptions, are preceded by certain events that allow for predictions. To help mitigate damage and harm caused by hurricanes, NASA uses the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), a satellite used to gather tropical rainfall data. The images shown here (Images A and B) were taken by TRMM, and allowed scientists to forecast the amount of precipitation to expect. Based on the table and images shown, which of these weather systems most likely caused the most damage and why?

Responses
A System B, because low pressure and an ocean temperature over 82 °F caused the system to became a hurricane, It also had much more rainfall.System B, because low pressure and an ocean temperature over 82 °F caused the system to became a hurricane, It also had much more rainfall.
B System A, because it was more spread out, covering a much larger area. It also had higher pressure, drawing in warm air causing it to grow into a hurricane.System A, because it was more spread out, covering a much larger area. It also had higher pressure, drawing in warm air causing it to grow into a hurricane.
C System A, because it was located in the northern hemisphere, working against the Coriolis Effect creating faster winds. It also had wider sections of rainfall.System A, because it was located in the northern hemisphere, working against the Coriolis Effect creating faster winds. It also had wider sections of rainfall.
D System B, because it took place in the northern hemisphere where the Coriolis Effect caused it to spin clockwise. This along with low pressure caused excessive rainfall.System B, because it took place in the northern hemisphere where the Coriolis Effect caused it to spin clockwise. This along with low pressure caused excessive rainfall.

1 answer

To determine which weather system most likely caused the most damage based on the information provided, we should consider the characteristics that typically lead to severe weather impacts, specifically related to hurricanes.

  1. System Characteristics:

    • System A is described as being more spread out with higher pressure, which typically doesn't favor the development of hurricanes since hurricanes form in low-pressure areas where warm air rises.
    • System B, on the other hand, has low pressure and an ocean temperature over 82 °F, both of which are favorable conditions for hurricane formation. This system also produced much more rainfall.
  2. Hurricane Formation:

    • Hurricanes require warm ocean water (typically above 82°F) and low-pressure systems to develop. A system with more rainfall and favorable temperatures is more likely to intensify into a hurricane.
  3. Impact of Damage:

    • Systems that become hurricanes generally cause more destruction due to high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, resulting in flooding and other hazards.

Given this analysis, the most thorough response is:

A. System B, because low pressure and an ocean temperature over 82 °F caused the system to become a hurricane. It also had much more rainfall.

This option highlights that System B's characteristics—low pressure, high temperatures, and significant rainfall—make it the most likely candidate for causing substantial damage.