Virginia State University Enviromental Science Lab Report

Background

Hurricane Katrina was the most costly natural disaster in the history of the United States. Despite ample warning, the hurricane made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane just east of New Orleans, exactly where it was expected to hit.

The costs of this hurricane were astounding. 1800 people lost their lives and property damages were estimated at $81 billion (2005 usd). storm surge was over 20 feet, flooding more than 80% of the city. 75% of buildings were damaged.

This type of flooding had happened before, and will likely happen again- because New Orleans is sinking, or subsiding. Much of the city lies below sea level, and is constantly pumped out by an enormous pumping system.

Review Presentation Slides

Materials

• Laboratory Excel Workbook
• Laboratory Sheet (print or complete online)
• New Orleans Elevation map (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Your Assignment

1. Complete the laboratory sheet as instructed
   1. Open the Excel spreadsheet and study the existing formulas
   2. Complete the table (yellow and blue cells) using the appropriate formulas.
      For help with Excel Formulas, you can watch the class recording or see your instructor.
   3. Create a graph that shows the change in elevation over time.
   4. Complete the questions on the lab sheet