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STUDENT WORKSHEET

1. Based on the reading, what would you predict Atlantic Hurricane activity would be if the rainfall in the West Sahel was above average? Explain your answer.

2. Using the hurricane graph you constructed, answer the following:

A. Which years had the most activity?
B. Which years had the least activity?
C. Which decade had the most violent hurricanes (intensity 4-5)? How did you determine your answer?
D. Based on this graph, which years would you expect that the Sahel had normal or above average rainfall? Why did you select those years?
E. Based on the graph, describe what you believe the rain patterns for each decade would be (below average, average, above average)?

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

3. Using the combined Hurricane and Tropical Storms graph you constructed, answer the following:

A. Which years had the most activity? Are the years exactly the same as the years in question 2a? If they are different, give a possible reason.

B. For each decade, how many years had above the average activity?

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

C. Based on this graph, describe what you believe would be the general rain pattern for each decade (below average, average, above average)?

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

4. Look at the rainfall graph. Which years had the greatest above average rainfall for the West Sahel? Why did you choose those years?

5. Looking at the rainfall graph, what is the trend of rainfall (below average, average, above average) for each decade?

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

6. Comparing the rainfall and the combined hurricane and tropical storm graphs, is there a better match if you compare them year to year or if you compare them by the general pattern for the decades? Explain your answer.

7. Comparing the rainfall and the hurricane graphs, is there a better match if you compare them year to year, or if you compare them by the general pattern for the decades? Explain your answer.

8. Comparing the two graphs that you have constructed to the rainfall graph, which graph best matches the rain patterns for the decades? Describe your reasoning.

9. After completing this activity, write a persuasive paragraph defending your position on "Do you believe that rainfall in the West Sahel is a good indicator of hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean".