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Storms and Hurricanes
Why is lightning jagged? Where do hurricanes come from? What happens in the eye of a storm? Why are there so many storm in summertime? From local thunderstorms to tropical cyclones Storms and Hurricanes takes an innovative and informative look both at the causes adn catastrophic effects of the world's most exciting weather. It explores the complex weather patterns that produce storm conditions and investigates the powerful phenomena that occur in different parts of the world. With the aid of satellite images, this book also provides a basic introduction to methods of monitoring, forecasting, predicting and tracking storms and hurricanes, as well as outlining various techniques which have been devised to reduce their devastating effects.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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August 26, 2022
Although this book has only thirty-two pages of information, which falls into the children’s category, I would say this also qualifies for middle-grade readers, as there are words and sentences which are better fitted for that group. As usual, some books meant for younger readers are also good reads for adults and this one certainly fills that role.
The book starts with explaining how the atmosphere affects the weather on our planet. The Coriolis Effect shows the pattern of horizontal surface winds which swerve to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. From here, we learn about air movement, including temperatures, humidity, depressions, and high-level winds. As each page progresses, the weather gets worse!
As anyone who has ever experienced a thunderstorm knows, they are loud and scary. Especially scary are microbursts which can unload millions of gallons of water in a matter of seconds, creating strong down winds which can hit the ground with unbridled ferocity. There’s also a reminder that trees are prime targets for lightning. This is because air does not carry electricity well, so higher points become most likely to be hit by bolts.
Next up is an explanation of the differences between wet and dry storms. While snowstorms and blizzards are bad, sandstorms are just outright nasty. I’ve seen sand approaching at a clip and all you can do is take cover, especially if it’s the infamous Sirocco out of Africa. But when winds get out of control, we get dust devils, whirlwinds, and waterspouts. These are mere nuisances compared to real tornadoes, which can kill everything in their paths. However, the most spectacular of all of Earth’s weather machines is the Hurricane. Also known as a Typhoon or a Cyclone, this weather phenomenon features high winds accompanied by storm fronts with massive coast-destroying waves. One of the pages provides a really nice graphic on the Beaufort Scale, with the scales of 1 to 12. Terrifying.
This is a 1995 publication but at the end of the book there is a focus on the changing climate and how mankind has affected our weather. It was the 20th-century, yet there is an explanation of “ex-hurricanes” and their future impact on Europe (now happening). Most frightening is the graphic on the future of Australia and the potential for hurricanes/typhoons to threaten that continent more and more on its Eastern Coast. Again, all coming true. This is really a very good book to explain harmful weather to younger readers and it’s especially helpful due to the many illustrations. Recommended.
Book Season = Winter (fierce storms)
The book starts with explaining how the atmosphere affects the weather on our planet. The Coriolis Effect shows the pattern of horizontal surface winds which swerve to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. From here, we learn about air movement, including temperatures, humidity, depressions, and high-level winds. As each page progresses, the weather gets worse!
As anyone who has ever experienced a thunderstorm knows, they are loud and scary. Especially scary are microbursts which can unload millions of gallons of water in a matter of seconds, creating strong down winds which can hit the ground with unbridled ferocity. There’s also a reminder that trees are prime targets for lightning. This is because air does not carry electricity well, so higher points become most likely to be hit by bolts.
Next up is an explanation of the differences between wet and dry storms. While snowstorms and blizzards are bad, sandstorms are just outright nasty. I’ve seen sand approaching at a clip and all you can do is take cover, especially if it’s the infamous Sirocco out of Africa. But when winds get out of control, we get dust devils, whirlwinds, and waterspouts. These are mere nuisances compared to real tornadoes, which can kill everything in their paths. However, the most spectacular of all of Earth’s weather machines is the Hurricane. Also known as a Typhoon or a Cyclone, this weather phenomenon features high winds accompanied by storm fronts with massive coast-destroying waves. One of the pages provides a really nice graphic on the Beaufort Scale, with the scales of 1 to 12. Terrifying.
This is a 1995 publication but at the end of the book there is a focus on the changing climate and how mankind has affected our weather. It was the 20th-century, yet there is an explanation of “ex-hurricanes” and their future impact on Europe (now happening). Most frightening is the graphic on the future of Australia and the potential for hurricanes/typhoons to threaten that continent more and more on its Eastern Coast. Again, all coming true. This is really a very good book to explain harmful weather to younger readers and it’s especially helpful due to the many illustrations. Recommended.
Book Season = Winter (fierce storms)
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