Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

December 29, 2013

State of the World 2013 - The Anti-Apocalypse

The State of the World Report
2013
The Anti-Apocalypse

After a rather lackluster global hurricane season this year, I decided to look into how the rest of the worlds disasters fared statistically in 2013. Nearly every kind of disaster saw a decrease in activity this year, with some even having some historical significance. [Note: The last time both the Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons both averaged below normal was 1977] Other notables include: Lowest Tornado Numbers in US since 2005 and the Lowest Forest Fire Numbers since 1989. Most totals rang in lower with some exceptions: Solar and Volcanic Activity still saw a small uptick recently. While the statistics show that natural disasters are on a decline, there were still many tragic disasters that did occur this year. After the 'Statistics' section of this report is a look at the worst disaster of 2013. 

Statistics 2013
Global Earthquake Total - Yearly Comparison


Global Hurricane ACE - Atlantic/Pacific Comparison


Global Tornado Totals - Euro/ US Comparison


US Forest Fires Rates


 Global Temperature Statistics


US Flood/Drought Yearly Comparison


Solar Activity in 2013

Volcanic Activity At A Glance
*An up to date volcano eruption chart was unavailable, please note this only goes until 2010.



 The Worst Disaster of 2013
 Typhoon Haiyan

Typhoon Haiyan was a pacific 'hurricane' that effected several countries (Micronesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Southern China, Taiwan) in November of this year for 8 days . It is thought to be one of the strongest hurricanes that has ever hit land, but as every country measures storms differently it is hard to get a consensus on that matter as it ties closely with several other storms. The preliminary damage estimates caused by Haiyan exceed 1.5 Billion US dollars, although it is still fairly early for those estimates to be entirely accurate. The death toll caused by Haiyan is currently over 6,100+ people and rising, with over 1,500 people still missing. The highest winds measured during the storm were as followed: 1 Min Sustained - 195 MPH, 10 Min Sustained - 145 MPH. The lowest recorded internal pressure of Haiyan is estimated to be around 895 MB at peak intensity. Just under 200 Millions Dollars was raised from countries worldwide to help support relief efforts, although this figure does not include charity donations, etc.

xoxo disaster girl

P.F.S. Links for the Curious
2013 Earthquakes At-A-Glance
2013 Atlantic Season At-A-Glance
ACE Total Archives
DG TDC - The Year Without a 'Cane
2013 Tornadoes At-A-Glance
US Forest Fire Statistics
US 2013 State of the Climate Report
Typhoon Haiyan Wiki
 

December 1, 2013

2013 - The Year Without a 'Cane

Le Sigh, Hurricane Season is Over 
The Last Four Atlantic Hurricane Seasons

Well that was a bit of a disappointment to say the least. The Atlantic 2013 hurricane season began this year with its first storm Tropical Storm Andrea a mere five days after its start. What was forecasted to be a busy season in the TSR review (Tropical Storm Risk Review) was actually well below average but the Atlantic basin was not alone. Even the last below average season the Atlantic saw in 2009 had a whole lot more action than the 2013 season did - 2009 Summary.

This season produced barely a hurricane, with only two forming that either didn't hit US land (Hurricane Ingrid - Mexico), or barely sustained hurricane status for long (Hurricanes Ingrid & Humberto). The tropical storm total rang low this year as well with a total of 13 tropical storms compared to last years 20 tropical storms and 10 hurricanes. Below is a closer look at the ACE data, or the Accumulated Cyclone Energy which uses wind measurements to both measure a storm and an entire season.

2013 World Hurricane Season At A Glance
Atlantic Hurricane Season - ACE - Below Normal - 28% of Average
Pacific Hurricane Season -  MEAN ACE - Below Normal - EST 77% of Average
Global Hurricane Season - ACE - 74% of Average

With no El Nino surface temperatures it has been difficult for forecasters and meteorologists to pin down exactly why this season has slowed down. This years slump also has meteorologists questioning whether or not climate change matters should be factored in at all, with many adding that this level of inactivity has never been seen with ocean conditions as they were this year. In June of 2014 we will usher in the next hurricane season, I have my fingers crossed that it's not as unremarkable as this season was & hope that I can bring the Video/Live Coverage back with some cool stuff.


Until Next Year!

xoxo disaster girl

P.F.S. Links for the Curious