Crepuscular Rays going through a hole of a canyon
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Crepuscular Rays
Crepuscular Rays going through a hole of a canyon
F5 Tornadoes
Ice Storms
Mammatus Clouds
Mammatus Clouds are sometimes described to look like the udders of a cow...
These clouds also look like Marshmallows, making the name Mammatus easier to remember.
http://eo.ucar.edu/webweather/cloudpic9.html
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gl)/guides/mtr/cld/oth/mm.rxml
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjmcconnell/3674141460/ First pic
Cirrus Clouds
Cirrus clouds are clouds that are very thin and that form at high altitudes. When water vapor freezes at altitudes higher than 20,000ft, Cirrus clouds are formed.
Cirrus clouds over a field
Cirrus clouds are normally characterized by their thin wispy strands and tufts. Cirrus clouds are associated with fair to pleasant weather.
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/cirrus_cloud
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CirrusField-color.jpg
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/climate
Category 5 Hurricanes
(damage from a category 5 hurricane)
Category 5 hurricanes casue massive flooding, have winds higher than 155mph, storm surges over 18 ft high and catestrophic destruction.
Bibiliography
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml info
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/whcat5.htm
www.utexas.edu/2006/hurricanes/index.html Picture#1
https://wiki.friscoisd.org/user/duncana/ Picture#2
Average Precipitation and Snowfall
The average snowfall for Albany NY is 52.6" per year.
The average precipitation for Oswego NY is 42.93" per year.
The average snowfall for Oswego NY is 140.3" per year.
The average precipitation for New York City NY is 46.33" per year.
The average snowfall for New York City NY is 28.4" per year.
The wettest location in the US is Mount Washington, it gets an average of 101.9" of precipitation per year.
The driest location in the US is Death Valley, it only gets an average of 1.84" of precipitation per year.
http://www.cbs6albany.com/sections/weather/historical/snowfall/
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/snowfall.html
http://www.idcide.com/weather/ny/new-york.htm
http://www.nps.gov/deva/naturescience/index.htm
http://www.desertusa.com/dv/du_dvpmap.html
http://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/wettest.php
http://neighborhoods.homeseekers.com/County/Oswego-New_York.aspx
Fog
Lake Effect Snow
(Average lake effect snowfall in New York State from 1971-2000)
www.123syracuse.com/Syracuseweather.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/l/lake_effect_snow.htm
http://www.weatherquestions.com/What_causes_lake_effect_snow.htm
Noreaster
A noreaster is formed when cool air from the north mixes with warm air coming from the ocean. This forms an area with extreme low pressure. When this happens the storm brings strong, continuous, winds, heavy rain or snow, and major structural damage to any thing in its path on the Eastern coast of the United States. A noreaster also brings high and powerful waves, sleet, or flash flooding.These storms are mainly formed during the Winter, but can occur at any time of the year.
This is a diagram of how a noreaster is formed. The cool air from the north merges with the the warm air from the ocean to create this destructive storm.
This is some of the damage that can be caused by a noreaster. These storms bring fast winds, high waves, and major structural damage to the homes along the east coast.
Bibliography:
http://www.weatherquestions.com/What_is_a_noreaster.htm
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tornado and Hurricane Safety
A tornado in Kansas that killed 11 people flattened the city of Greensburg
Some safety tips for tornadoes are
1. Stockpile emergency supplies in case of a storm
2. If inside move to the basement or an interior room
3. If caught out side move to low ground and lie face down
Hurricane Katrina left 1,836 people dead and 705 missing.
Some tips for hurricanes
1. Coastal residents should form evacuation plans
2. If forced to weather a storm, get inside the most secure building possible
3. Listen to the authorities for safety information
Sources
1. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/hurricane-safety-tips.html
2. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/tornado-safety-tips.html
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KatrinaNewOrleansFlooded_edit2.jpg
4. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Greensburg_kansas_tornado.jpg
Blizzards
- The jet stream "dips", and cold, dry air from the north moves south.
- Warm, moist air from the south flows north.
- These two air masses meet, and a blizzard results!
Bibliography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard
http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/snowstorms/whatsablizzard.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Storm_of_the_Century
10. photo exemption
January:
High: 31.1 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 13.3 degrees Fahrenheit
February:
High: 34.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 15.7 degrees Fahrenheit
March:
High: 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 25.4 degrees Fahrenheit
April:
High: 57.3 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 35.9 degrees Fahrenheit
May:
High: 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 46.5 degrees Fahrenheit
June:
High: 77.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 55.0 degrees Fahrenheit
July:
High: 82.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 60.0 degrees Fahrenheit
August:
High: 79.7 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit
September:
High: 71.3 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 49.9 degrees Fahrenheit
October:
High: 59.7 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 38.8 degrees Fahrenheit
November:
High: 47.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Low: 30.8 degrees Fahrenheit
December:
High: 36.0
Low: 20.1
Minneapolis: (in degrees Fahrenheit)
January:
High: 22
Low: 4
February:
High: 29
Low: 12
March:
High: 41
Low: 23
April:
High: 57
Low: 36
May:
High: 70
Low: 48
June:
High: 79
Low: 58
July:
High: 83
Low: 63
August:
High: 80
Low: 61
September:
High: 71
Low: 51
October:
High: 58
Low: 39
November:
High: 40
Low: 25
December:
High: 29
Low: 11
Las Vegas: (in degrees Fahrenheit)
January:
High: 58
Low: 34
February:
High: 63
Low: 39
March:
High: 69
Low: 44
April:
High: 78
Low: 51
May:
High: 88
Low: 60
June:
High: 100
Low: 69
July:
High: 106
Low: 74
August:
High: 103
Low: 74
September:
High: 95
Low: 66
October:
High: 82
Low: 54
November:
High: 82
Low: 54
December:
High: 58
Low: 34
Bibliography:
http://www.rssweather.com/climate/new%20york/albany/
www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/usmn0503
http://www.vegas.com/weather/averages.html
Lenticular Clouds
Lenticular clouds are very rare and usually form around hills or mountains. These clouds often look like giant flying sausers or upside down pancakes. They form when the air goes back and forth between higher and lower elevations. As the air gets higher in altitude it cools forming these clouds.
Thunder
http://weathereye.kgan.com/cadet/lightning/thunder.html
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/Atmosphere/tstorm/tstorm_lightning.html
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/thunder.html
Wind Chill
the actual temp. and the windchill factor.)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
El Nino
El Nino in its simplest terms, is the unusual warming of ocean waters, primarily in the Pacific Ocean near South America. Its cause is mostly unknown by scientists. An El Nino event usually happens once every 3-7 years in December.
The effects of El Nino and La Nina on ocean temperature (Red and White indicate high temps, blue and purple are lower temps.)The warmer waters can be beneficial to fish populations and are often welcomed by fisherman. However El Nino and its opposite La Nina (cooling of ocean waters) can be destructive causing heavy rains, droughts, destruction of marine life, and typhoons all over the world.
Bibliography
Sources
1.http://www.ucar.edu/communications/factsheets/elnino/
2.http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/enso/enso.description.html
Images
1. ciesnce.nasa.gov/.../el-nino-la-nina_med.jpg
2.apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/9801/elnino4_jpl_big.jpg
Lightning
2: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/773233665_859aba00fe.jpg
Great Smokey National Park
There will be a number of special activities throughout the year, here is some general information to get you started!
Location: In between Eastern Tennessee, and Western North Carolina.
The great Smoky Mountains are a part of the Appalachian Mountains.
Size: 521,000 acres of federal land
Elevations range from 875 to 6,642 ft.
One of the most popular lookout spots in the park is Clingmans Dome, it has the highest elevation in the park(6,642 ft).
Climate: The climate is mild in the winter and very hot and humid in the summertime.
Wildlife: The park is very well known for its black bear population. There is estimated to be around 1,500 black bears in the park. For many these gentile but strong creatures are a symbol of the wilderness and freedom of the park.
Many other animals dwell at the park as well, there are app. 66 different types of mammals found at the park. Some including foxes, wolves, elks, coyotes, hogs, bobcats, white-tailed deers, and other beautiful creatures.
There is one animal in particular that has been causing quite some damage to the park, the wild European hog. Only following their nature, the hogs root, and wallow tearing up the land, and soil the water for the other animals. It is not possible for scientists to completely kill off the species, so to keep the number of them in check they trap and/or shoot some.
In addition, there are over 240 species of birds in the park.
Vegetation: The park is also noted for is rich and varying vegetation. Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there are 5 different types of forests. Also, nearly 40% of the land is covered with forest, and there is a total of 130 different types of trees have been found. Other types of vegetation such as wildflowers, bushes, etc. can be found within the park.
Precipitation: The mountains receive anywhere between 55-85 inches of precipitation per year.
Activities to do: The park offers many choices for people to do, weather you are one of those calm nature goers, or a free spirited hiker. The great Smoky National Park has it all. You can hike, bike, fish, horse riding, picnicking, workshops, and other activities. The park has app. 800 miles of hiking trails all together! These activities are what helps roll in the parks 8-10 million visitors per year!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Joshua Tree National Park.
Welcome to Joshua Tree National Park!!!
Located in California, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert park. Consisting of 800,000 acres, two deserts come together to form this park, the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. Elevation is what sets these two deserts apart.
The Colorado Desert is on the eastern part, which has an elevation of below 3,000 feet, consumed by mostly the creosote bush.
The Mojave Desert, located on the western half of the park, is the home of the Joshua Tree.
There are many things to do at Joshua Tree National Park, whether you are planning just to spend a couple hours, or a whole day there.
There are Natural Trails that you can guide yourselves on.
There are:
Hiking trails
Backpacking
Horseback Riding
Stargazing
Ranger Program
Mountain Biking
Rock-Climbing
Birding
Camping (9 camp grounds)
Backcountry camping
Go to Keys View, Black Rock Canyon, Skull Rock, Indian Cove, Cottonwood Spring, and Covington Flats.
The desert may look like there is no life to it, but that’s not the case.
Living here at Joshua Tree are:
Birds
Lizards
Snakes
Big Horn Sheep
Kangaroo Rats
Coyotes
Black-tailed Jack Rabbits
Bats
Kit Fox
And more.
Cacti, Fan Palm Oases, and crypto biotic crusts, are some of the plants that grow in this area.
I hope you enjoyed learning about Joshua Tree National Park!!
Come Visit Soon!!!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
People on the Wild Tour. (during an easier part)
Activities you are able to do while you are visiting:
Canoeing
Camping
Hiking
Bike Riding
Sight Seeing
Fishing
Hunting
Horseback Riding
Birding
and Cave Tours.
The cave tours are varied depending of your level of comfort. There are tours for those who enjoy just looking and moderate walks; to those who enjoy spending a whole day crawling through the cave and seeing what is in its depths.
One of the sites seen during the cave tours.
One of the most challenging cave tours is The Wild Tour. The Wild Tour has a huge emphasis on:
Safe Caving Techniques
Environmental Concerns
Cave Exploration (through the past and the present)
And Team Building.
Some land marks you are guided to see are:
The Carmichael Entrance
Cleveland Avenue
Split Rock
The Snow Ball Room (where there is food available)
Boone Avenue
And The Travertine Tour Route
There are so many physical challenges to cope with when you take The Wild Tour:
Free Climbing on Cave Walls
Lengthy Crawls through Areas as Tight as 9 inches High
Walking in a Crouched Position
Hand and Knee Crawls Over Jagged Rocks and Dirt
Crawling Through Wet Areas
Twisting Into and Out of Tight Crawlway Openings
Part of a cave tour.
There are also some rare and unusual animals that you can find a Mammoth Cave National Park. These animals adapted to the absolute blackness and isolation of the cave, such as:
Blind Fish
Cave Crayfish
Colorless Spiders
These are slimy salamander types.
Mudpuppy
Hellbender
Zigzag salamander
These are just some birds that fly around this area.
Bald Eagle
Whip-poor-wills
Chickadees
These are just some interesting mammals of the many that are found at Mammoth Cave.
Flying squirrels
Weasels
Mink
Wood rats
River otter
Flying Squirel
Even if you don’t like cave tours and are not into camping, hunting, and boating; there is always the option of exploring the beautiful woodlands of Kentucky. You can explore the remains of the great old growth forest, which once covered most of Kentucky.
Zion National Park
Zion Canyon(seen in the photo below) is another one of the major attractions in this park. It is 15 miles (24km) long, and reaches extreme elevations. With its breath taking views and hiking trails weaving all a round, this is one thing in this park that you have got to see!!!
Kolob Canyon (seen below) is another amazing canyon in this park. Kolob canyon has the highest peak of the park (9,200) feet. Originally it wasn't part of the park but in 1956 Kolob Canyon became an addition to Zion National Park.
- Of the 271 different birds in the park some of them are the roadrunner, golden eagles, and red tail hawks.
- The Park consists of 32 reptiles, the most commonly seen are lizards and several different types of snakes.
- There are 75 mammals in the park, two of the larger mammals are the mule deer and the mountain lion (which is rarely seen) and some of the smaller mammals are ring tails, skunks, and chipmunks.
- The park was originally named Mukuntuweap National Park in 1909 but changed to Zion National Park in 1918.
- The word Zion is an ancient Hebrew word meaning a place of refuge or sanctuary.
- Some activities the park offers is hiking, sight seeing, and walking through the Virgin River