GeoTech Research Lab Creates Seasonal Analysis of Tornado Alley Graphic
Brad Baker, GeoTech Research Lab,
Bishop Dunne High School, Dallas, Texas
The primary purpose of this project was to compare the jet stream seasonal average with the location of seasonal tornado hotspots. These maps were produced to assist disaster related organizations such as FEMA, Red Cross or insurance companies with information to help with resource allocation planning and to educate the public. The idea for this map project grew from the ESRI-ArcLesson “Blown Away” by Dr. Tom Baker of KanCRN and the original lesson can be downloaded at www.esri.com/arclessons. The 1950-1990 tornado data was compiled by George Dailey (ESRI) from the NOAA National Climatic Data Center and can be found at the ESRI/K-12 website.
The main objective of the project was to have the GIS-1 students (10-12 grade) at Bishop Dunne High School, Dallas, TX, generate and then analyze grids using Spatial Analyst 2.0 software. Other skills practiced involved querying and clipping of shapefiles and grids.
From the maps presented there does appear to be a correlation between the seasonal average of the jet streams and the location of tornado hotspots. In most cases the location of the jet stream average was helpful in identifying the northern edge of the hotspot zone. The maps also do a good job of showing the main hotspots of the country as the seasons change. The northern region, near the Canadian border, was at a higher risk of tornado activity during the summer months (May, June and July). Areas in the central plains have a higher density during the spring (February, March, April). Although the Gulf Coast region experiences 75% of its tornados during the spring and summer, the maps show that during the fall and winter season this area leads the country in tornado density.
Graphic Courtesy Brad Baker, GeoTech Research Lab, Bishop Dunne High School, Dallas, Texas
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Last Modified: Tuesday, 01-Aug-2006 11:43:14 EDT