2022/23 JPSS Virtual Science Fair Top Projects
High School: 1st Place
Title: Forecasting Rapid Intensification of Hurricanes
Graham Houghton from Pingry High School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Coach: Darren Torsone
Abstract: Forecasting of hurricane paths and severity has significantly improved over time, but recent major storms have demonstrated rapid intensification just prior to making landfall. This sudden increase in severity can be difficult to manage as evacuation orders need to be specific and timely to minimize loss of life and allow time for property defense and adequate mobilization of emergency response personnel.
Rapid intensification is becoming more common due to favorable climate conditions for hurricanes, such as warmer sea surface temperatures due to global warming. Using these temperatures which are visible on satellite imagery to forecast rapid intensification can provide critical lead time for hurricane management, thus saving lives and limiting loses with improved timeliness and preparedness.
High School: Honorable Mention
Title: Flooding Due to River Ice
Jordan Boyle, Ava Curole and Landyn Dufrene from Hahnville High School, Boutte, Louisiana
Coach: Cecelia Gillam
Middle School: 1st Place
Title: The Impact of Climate Change on Water Bodies
Anuj Dasgupta and Aditya Kothari from Franklin Middle School, Chantilly, Virginia and Eagle Ridge Middle School, Ashburn, Virginia
Coach: Mr. Amit Angal
Abstract: The purpose of our research was to find the effects of climate change on water bodies. From this research, we learned that extreme weather, drought, flooding, and the increased severity of storms are all effects of climate change. We researched how Lake Mead has been slowly drying up over the past few decades. Hoover Dam also sits on Lake Mead and provides power to the surrounding areas. If this continues, the Hoover Dam will not be able to create a sufficient amount of hydroelectric power to power nearby towns and cities.
Download the poster (PDF)
Middle School: Honorable Mentions
Title: A Freeze Over the Great Lakes 2020-2021
Mesgana Habteyes, Lorenzo Romero, and Zachary Yu from Desert Ridge Middle School, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Coach: Turtle Haste
Title: NOAA-20 & SUOMI-NPP VIIRS Natural Color RGB Useful in Analyzing Tropical Cyclones
Sofia Basto-Cabrera, Aparna Venugopal, Mason Vo from Medford Memorial Middle School, Medford New Jersy
Coach: Vicky Gorman
