Please answer all of questions 1 & 2 and provide references

1. Noting the potential birth regions for tropical cyclone formation, view the “Stitched Global IR” satellite image from the http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat-bin/global.cgi Web site. (Be very careful not to confuse midlatitude cyclones with tropical cyclones. Also, you may use the NRL Monterey (Satellite Division) “Tropical Cyclones” section to help you in this activity.)

(a) Check for cloud patterns that may be associated with the formation or development of tropical systems. Include a copy or printout of your chosen satellite image, clearly indicating the location of your tropical system.

(b) What is your estimated stage of development of the tropical system (tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm, tropical cyclone)?

(c) What are the different means used to determine the particular stage of development?

2. Figure 12.1 displays the track for Atlantic Hurricane Isabel in September of 2003 as it approached the U.S. East Coast. The position of the hurricane’s center is at time 1800Z 17 September 2003 (displayed on the map as 1718Z). All positions (in blue) depict actual past hurricane positions, while all positions after 1800Z 17 September are forecasted positions. All positions (past and forecasted) are spaced 12 hours apart.

(a) What is the estimated position (latitude and longitude) of the hurricane eye at 1800Z 17 September 2003?

(b) What is the estimated movement of the hurricane’s eye (direction and speed) at 1800Z 17 September 2003? (Note that movement of the hurricane’s eye is not the same as the hurricane wind speeds).

(c) What is the forecasted time and location of hurricane landfall?

(d) After 1800Z 17 September 2003, is the hurricane forecasted to slow down or speed up? Explain.

(e) What is the forecasted movement of the hurricane eye (direction and speed) immediately after landfall?