Natural Storms and Environmental Studies Essay

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What are the major differences between tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes?

A Tornado refers to a type of storm that is very violent and that travels at very high speeds (Internet Geography n.d). Tornadoes travel at speeds as high as 300 miles per hour. They emanate from thunderstorms and usually manifest as rotating clouds that are usually funnel-shaped. A hurricane refers to a windstorm that travels at low speeds of at least 74 miles per hour 9 and high speeds of about 200mph. Finally, a thunderstorm refers to a tempest that is characterized by thunder and lightning (Science n.d). Hurricanes are usually less than a mile in width while tornadoes are usually more than a mile in width (Internet geography n.d).

Tornadoes form over land and do not last for long periods (Geography n.d). They usually last a few hours. In contrast, hurricanes form over the waters and can last from hours to several weeks. Thunderstorms occur for a few seconds and rarely cause any damage (Science, n.d). Hurricanes are more violent than thunderstorms and tornadoes because of their violent nature and the fact that they can last for several weeks (Geography, n.d). Finally, tornadoes are more frequent compared to hurricanes.

A major storm that has affected the United States within the last 15 years

One of the major storms that hit the United States of America was Hurricane Katrina. It was the most destructive storm that has ever affected America. It hit in 2005 and was described as one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit America. States hit by the hurricane included Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, and Ohio. The worst-hit cities were New Orleans, Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Bernard, Jefferson Parish, and Plaquemines Parish (Zimmerman, 2012). The damage caused by the storm includes the death of 1,836 people, loss of property worth $81 billion, extensive erosion, oil spills, and crimes such as looting, carjacking, and theft (Zimmerman, 2012).

Los Angeles’ smog may last many days and is a severe health hazard. What are some causes of smog?

Causes of smog include coal, transportation emissions, and natural causes (Lerche, 2010). Natural causes of smog include erupting volcanoes and expulsion of plants’ radiocarbon contents (Conserve Energy Future, n.d). Other causes of smog include fires, waste treatment, industrial solvents, and automobiles. California’s strict auto emissions law limits the release of carbon dioxide from automobiles. By 2025, the state aims to have 1.4 million electric and hybrid cars as well as reduce pollutants that form smog by 70% (Conserve Energy Future, n.d). The reduction of carbon dioxide and smog-forming pollutants will reduce global warming and improve the atmosphere of California. It will become healthier for the inhabitants of the city.

What is one fuel alternative to gasoline for automobiles?

Ethanol is one of the many alternative fuels that are produced from fermentation and consequent distillation of crops (U.S Department of Energy, n.d). Examples of crops used include barley, corn, and wheat. In some cases, some manufacturers of automobiles blend ethanol with gasoline to improve the quality of the emissions (Deaton, 2010). Many automakers design automobiles with fuel-flex engines. These engines can operate either using gasoline or ethanol that is blended with gasoline. Ethanol is considered a good alternative fuel because the raw materials used to manufacture the products are readily available (U.S Department of Energy, n.d).

One of the challenges of using ethanol is the high quantity of energy used to produce it and the dangers it poses to the prices of food. Despite these disadvantages, its benefits are many and more people are embracing change. I would consider buying a vehicle that uses ethanol because of its benefits. They help to conserve the environment because they have very few emissions. Besides, they lower the cost of transport. I think these cars are few because people have not yet embraced them and the government has not done enough to convince people to buy them.