Graphical Interpretation

This resource from Defence Dynamics outlines the role played by the Meteorological Office (Met Office), an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence, in providing international weather forecasts and severe weather warnings. Using Met Office data and a case study of Hurricane Katrina, students learn how graphical interpretation can be used to predict weather patterns. A variety of activities ask students to use latitude and longitude to plot the route of the hurricane, and interpret speed and intensity graphs. Students then use data to draw graphs of flood water against rainfall, consider whether the relationship is linear, and then discuss how this may have impacted on relief efforts. The resource goes on to look at longer-term data and how the impact of climate change may affect current and future generations in the UK and the rest of the world. Two news articles are included that detail how the Royal Navy is deployed to assist when hurricanes are forecast.