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Reading a Hurricane Tracking Map — Reading Comprehension

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This passage, 'Reading a Hurricane Tracking Map', delves into the fascinating world of hurricane forecasting. Students will learn how to interpret data on hurricane tracking maps, understand key terms like 'tropical cyclone' and 'storm surge', and grasp the importance of these maps for safety and mitigation. Aligned with NGSS MS-ESS3-2, this content helps students analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects. The passage uses simple language appropriate for a 6th-grade reading level, defines key terms, and includes relevant SEO keywords such as 'hurricane tracking map', 'weather forecasting', and 'natural disasters'. All passages are audio integrated for enhanced learning.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Student-friendly hurricane tracking map with cone of uncertainty and hazard zones. — Wide illustrated map showing hurricane track, categories, surge, rain risk.

Imagine a swirling giant of wind and rain, hundreds of miles wide, heading toward land. That's a hurricane, also known as a tropical cyclone. When these powerful storms form, scientists and meteorologists use special hurricane tracking maps to predict their path and strength. Learning to read these maps can help communities prepare for severe weather and potential natural disasters.

A hurricane tracking map shows a hurricane's current location and its projected path. You'll usually see a cone shape on the map, which is called the cone of uncertainty. This cone represents the likely path of the hurricane's center. It gets wider as it extends further into the future because forecasting becomes less certain over time. The smaller the cone, the more confident forecasters are about the hurricane's direction. Inside the cone, you'll often see a line with dots or symbols. This is the forecast track, representing the most probable path of the storm's center.

On these maps, hurricanes are often categorized by their wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale ranges from Category 1 (least intense) to Category 5 (most intense). Higher categories mean stronger winds and more potential damage. The map might also show an "H" for hurricane or "TS" for tropical storm, indicating the storm's current intensity. Understanding these symbols is crucial for effective weather forecasting.

Besides wind, hurricanes bring other dangers like heavy rainfall, which can cause inland flooding, and storm surge. Storm surge is an abnormal rise in water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide. This wall of water can flood coastal areas, making it extremely dangerous. The map might include areas shaded for potential storm surge or flood risks. Knowing these risks helps people in coastal communities decide when to evacuate.

Reading a hurricane tracking map allows us to interpret vital data, helping us understand the potential impacts of these natural hazards. This information informs decisions about evacuations, emergency preparations, and the development of technologies to mitigate the effects of these powerful storms. Being prepared for a hurricane involves staying informed, and tracking maps are a key tool for that.

Interesting Fact: The eye of a hurricane, the calm center of the storm, can be anywhere from a few miles to over 100 miles wide!

What is another name for a hurricane?

Tropical cycloneWinter stormDesert windMountain breeze

What does the cone of uncertainty represent on a map?

Likely path of centerArea of clear skiesRainfall amountsWind direction

Why does the cone of uncertainty get wider?

More accurate forecastsLess certain forecastingHurricane is shrinkingLess rainfall predicted

What does 'storm surge' mean?

Heavy rainfall amountWind speed increaseAbnormal rise in waterOcean wave height

Which category on the Saffir-Simpson Scale indicates the strongest hurricane?

Category 1Category 3Category 5Category 2

If a hurricane tracking map shows a Category 4 hurricane heading towards a coastal city, what is the most important immediate action for residents to consider?

Start a beach picnicEvacuate the areaGo for a swimPlant a garden

The 'forecast track' on a hurricane map shows the hurricane's current location.

TrueFalse

Why is it important for communities to read hurricane tracking maps?

For fun activityTo prepare for stormsTo watch TV showsTo choose vacation spot

What does a wider 'cone of uncertainty' on a hurricane tracking map imply about the forecast?

Less certaintyMore accurateStronger stormFaster movement

Which term describes an abnormal rise in water from a storm?

Tidal waveStorm surgeFlash floodHigh tide