
nytimes.com
Sources and Methodology for Hurricane Tracking Data
This article outlines the sources and methodologies for various hurricane tracking data presented in an accompanying map, clarifying data limitations and highlighting the collaboration among multiple agencies like the National Hurricane Center, NOAA, and the Japanese Meteorological Agency.
- How do the different data sets contribute to a comprehensive understanding of hurricane impacts?
- The integration of data from multiple sources, including the National Hurricane Center, NOAA, and the Japanese Meteorological Agency, highlights a collaborative effort in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. The specified limitations for each data set, such as the exclusion of wave and rainfall effects in storm surge predictions, underscore the need for users to be aware of data limitations when interpreting these forecasts.
- What are potential areas for improvement in the data collection and presentation methods for hurricane forecasting?
- Future improvements could focus on addressing data gaps, such as expanding wind speed probability data coverage beyond 60.25 degrees north latitude. Furthermore, integrating wave and rainfall effects into the storm surge model would enhance the accuracy and informativeness of these forecasts, leading to more effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.
- What are the primary data sources and their limitations for hurricane tracking and forecasting presented in this article?
- This article details the sources and methodology for hurricane tracking data presented in a map, including wind speed probability, arrival times, storm surge, rip currents, and precipitation forecasts. Data is sourced from agencies like the National Hurricane Center, NOAA, and others, with specific limitations noted for each data set, such as the wind speed probability data's northern latitude limit.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The descriptions emphasize the accuracy and reliability of the data sources, potentially framing the information as objective and unbiased. However, the lack of discussion regarding potential limitations or biases in data selection and presentation could lead to a biased interpretation by the reader.
Bias by Omission
The provided text focuses heavily on data sources and geographic limitations, but lacks analysis of potential biases in the selection and presentation of this data. For example, are there specific cities omitted from the wind arrival table, and if so, why? The focus on the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands in the storm surge map suggests a bias towards these regions, neglecting potential global impacts. Further, the historical map's limitation to storms since 2000 and within 50 miles of a potential landfall location significantly limits the scope of historical context, potentially skewing the perception of storm frequency and intensity.
Sustainable Development Goals
Hurricanes and storms can cause widespread damage to infrastructure and property, leading to displacement, loss of livelihoods, and increased poverty, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.