Global Warming

Increasing Temperatures and Stronger Hurricanes

What is happening over time

Temperature over the past 1000 years

1979

2003 Arctic Polar Ice Cap

Since 1979, the size of the summer polar ice cap has shrunk more than 20 percent. On Sept. 21, 2005, sea ice extent dropped to 2.05 million sq. miles, the lowest extent yet recorded in the satellite record. This loss is twice the size of Texas. Real problem -> ice caps are Earths air conditioners!!! Reflect the Suns energy back into space

NUMBER OF HURRICANES:
What is happening to the number of Category 4 & 5 storms over time?

Key to Hurricane Strengthbased on Wind Speed

Category 1 Hurricane Category 2 Hurricane Category 3 or 4 Hurricane Category 5 Hurricane

Weakest Strongest

Hurricane Dennis 2005

Hurricane Katrina (on the left)

Hurricane Ophelia (on the right) 2005.

Potential Effects of Global Warming

More strong hurricanes

1. In 1970-1974, which category of hurricanes was the most common? 2. In 1980-1984, which category of hurricanes was the most common? 3. In 1990-1994, which category of hurricanes was the most common 4. What is the trend from 1970 to now? Should we be concerned?