A video to learn about hurricanes as heat engines, and the possible effects of increasing sea surface temperature on the intensity and frequency of hurricanes.
Students will understand the process of hurricane formation, and the factors that influence the number and strength of hurricanes. They will discuss recent intense hurricanes and the possible effects of a warmer ocean on hurricane intensity.
Use this tool to help your students find answers to:
- Describe the formation of a hurricane and the role of heat energy in this process.
- How might an increase in sea surface temperature affect the intensity of a hurricane? What are the other factors that might influence the strength of a hurricane?
About the Tool
Tool Name | The Effect of Sea Surface Temperature on Hurricanes |
Discipline | Physics, Earth Sciences |
Topic(s) in Discipline | Heat; Energy; Heat Engine; Hurricane; Hurricane Intensity |
Climate Topic | Disasters and Hazards, Climate and the Atmosphere, Climate and the Hydrosphere |
Type of Tool | Video |
Grade Level | High School |
Location | Global |
Language | English |
Translation | Spanish |
Developed by | https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/credits/clim10.sci.ess.watcyc.seasurftemp/ |
Hosted at | PBS Learning Media |
Link | https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/clim10.sci.ess.watcyc.seasurftemp/the-effect-of-sea-surface-temperature-on-hurricanes/ |
Access | Online; Offline |
Computer Skills | Basic |