Hurricane Katrina Flashcards
Describe the formation process of Hurricane Katrina.
Hurricane Katrina formed from a tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa, beginning around August 19, 2005. It became a tropical depression near the south-eastern Bahamas by August 23, and strengthened into a hurricane on August 24.
Explain the intensity changes of Hurricane Katrina as it approached land.
Hurricane Katrina reached category 1 intensity just before making landfall near Miami, Florida on August 25, 2005. After briefly weakening, it re-emerged in the Gulf of Mexico, where it rapidly intensified to a category 5 storm by August 28, with peak winds of 175 mph and a central pressure of 902 mb.
How did Hurricane Katrina impact Louisiana upon landfall?
Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southeastern Louisiana on August 29, 2005, as a category 3 hurricane after slightly weakening from its peak intensity.
Define the peak characteristics of Hurricane Katrina.
At its peak, Hurricane Katrina was a category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 175 mph, storm-force winds extending up to 200 miles from its center, and a minimum central pressure of 902 mb.
What was the significance of the storm surge caused by Hurricane Katrina?
The storm surge from Hurricane Katrina reached up to 28 ft (8.5 m) in some areas, particularly along the Mississippi coast, making it one of the highest storm surges recorded in the U.S.
Do you know the date when Hurricane Katrina became a hurricane?
Hurricane Katrina became a hurricane on August 24, 2005.
Explain the geographical origin of Hurricane Katrina.
Hurricane Katrina originated from a tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa.
Describe the conditions in the Gulf of Mexico that contributed to Hurricane Katrina’s intensification.
The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico contributed to Hurricane Katrina’s rapid intensification into a category 5 storm.
How far did the storm-force winds of Hurricane Katrina extend from its center?
The storm-force winds of Hurricane Katrina extended up to 200 miles from its center.
Define the term ‘central pressure’ in the context of hurricanes.
Central pressure refers to the atmospheric pressure at the center of a hurricane, with lower values indicating a more intense storm. Hurricane Katrina had a central pressure of 902 mb.
Describe the social impacts of the event on communities in the U.S.
The event caused over 1 million people to be displaced, leading to permanent alterations in communities. Over 1,800 deaths occurred, primarily from drowning, and a health crisis emerged due to lack of clean water and medical care, resulting in disease outbreaks. Low-income and predominantly African American communities were disproportionately affected, facing higher death rates and resource shortages. Additionally, there were reports of crime and social breakdown, including looting and violence, exacerbated by a slow response from law enforcement.
Explain the economic consequences of the event.
The total cost of the event exceeded $125 billion, making it one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history. It resulted in the loss of over 400,000 jobs and many businesses never reopened, leading to long-term unemployment. The destruction of oil rigs and refineries caused disruptions in oil and gas production, leading to a spike in gas prices nationwide. Furthermore, New Orleans experienced a significant decline in tourism, which took years to recover.
How did the event affect the environment in Louisiana?
The event led to over 80% of New Orleans being flooded and caused significant coastal erosion, washing away coastal wetlands and increasing future hurricane risks. Additionally, pollutants and toxic waste from oil spills, sewage leaks, and chemical contamination polluted both water and land, with floodwaters containing bacteria, heavy metals, and raw sewage.
Define the term ‘displacement’ in the context of the event.
Displacement refers to the forced movement of over 1 million people from their homes due to the event, resulting in many evacuees never returning and permanently altering the affected communities.
Do you know the primary causes of death during the event?
The primary causes of death during the event included drowning in floodwaters, with over 1,800 fatalities reported. Additionally, the lack of clean water and medical care contributed to disease outbreaks, further impacting health.
Explain the relationship between racial and economic inequality and the event’s impact.
The event disproportionately affected low-income and predominantly African American communities in New Orleans, which were hit the hardest. Many individuals in these communities lacked the resources to evacuate, leading to higher death rates and exacerbating existing racial and economic inequalities.
Describe the aftermath of the event in terms of crime and social order.
In the aftermath of the event, there were numerous reports of looting, violence, and lawlessness. The slow response from authorities created tensions between residents and law enforcement, contributing to a breakdown of social order.
How did the event influence the job market in the affected areas?
The event resulted in the loss of over 400,000 jobs, with many businesses permanently closing, leading to long-term unemployment and economic instability in the affected areas.
What were the long-term effects on tourism in New Orleans following the event?
New Orleans experienced a sharp decline in tourism as a result of the event, and it took years for the tourism industry to recover fully.
Describe the impact of the event on oil and gas production.
The destruction of oil rigs and refineries along the Gulf Coast due to the event caused significant disruptions in oil and gas production, leading to a nationwide spike in gas prices.
Describe the impact of the oil leak on wildlife and ecosystems during the event.
Over 7 million gallons of oil leaked into the environment, severely impacting fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Explain the public reaction to the government’s response during the crisis.
The slow response by FEMA led to public outrage, with President George W. Bush and local officials facing heavy criticism for their lack of preparedness.
Define the major reforms that FEMA underwent after the event.
FEMA underwent major reforms to improve emergency preparedness, including new laws to strengthen levee systems and enhance evacuation plans.
How did Hurricane Katrina influence discussions on climate change and infrastructure?
Katrina became a key example of climate-regulated extreme weather, prompting discussions on improving infrastructure to withstand stronger hurricanes.
