2.

03 Alternate Assessment 2022

While working through this activity, think about the following essential questions:
● What can climate change tell us about hurricanes?
● What effect does weather have on the environment?
● What impact does climate change have on marine ecosystems?

Ocean’s impact on Climate Watch this video

Our oceans have a large impact on the climate and weather we experience. Depending on where you live, the influence the ocean
has on your local weather can vary greatly. Those close to the coast are accustomed to changes in daily weather due to storms, but
did you know that the ocean also influences our global climate patterns? In this activity we will explore changes in weather and
climate over a period of time, and how those changes may have an influence on hurricanes. A hurricane is a large rotating storm that
develops over tropical or subtropical waters. Hurricanes are classified according to wind speeds. Any storm that reaches sustained
winds at or above 39mph are given a name. As scientists examine historical weather data, they look for patterns. Two factors are
used to determine if hurricanes are getting worse- the number of storms per year and the strength of each storm. A noticeable
difference has been observed in the number of named storms. This can be attributed to climate change and the rapid warming of
the world’s oceans. The warm waters make hurricanes more and more likely. Warmer waters cause hurricanes to intensify at a
faster rate. In this investigation, you will examine how weather patterns may correlate to extreme weather events. You will use
current temperature data taken from NOAA weather readings for Orlando, FL.

*To find the total number of named storms for each year, please look here-
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/index.php?basin=atl&season.
June 2019 June 2020 June 2021

maximum temp 90 90 90

minimum temp 73 75 73

July 2019 July 2020 July 2021

maximum temp 90 91 90

minimum temp 74 76 74

August 2019 August 2020 August 2021

maximum temp 90 91 91

minimum temp 74 76 74

September 2019 September 2020 September 2021

maximum temp 89 90 89

minimum temp 73 74 73

1
Complete the data chart: (18 pts)

2019 2020 2021

Avg temp June 81.5 82.5 126.5

Avg temp July 82 83.5 127

Avg temp August 82 83.5 82.5

Avg temp September 81 82 125.5

Avg for 4 months 81.625 82.875 115.375

# of named storms 20 31 21

Based on the data collected, answer the following in complete sentences.

1. Which year had the highest average temperatures? (2pt)

- The year that had the highest average temperatures was 2021 having an average of 115.375.

2. Which year had the most named storms? (2pt)

- The year that had the most named storms was year 2020 with 31 storms.

3. How do you think climate change is impacting weather in your area? (8pts)

- I think climate change is impacting weather in my area because it causes higher temperatures and the rain
patterns differ, which lead to a lot of rain happening or barely any.