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e-Journal

Santa Ana Winds (p. 239)


Step 1. Questions

A warm breeze in the winter might be great. But some warm winds, called Santa Ana winds, can actually bring harm to an area, especially in the wild where fire is a risk.

Write a report about the effects of the Santa Ana winds on wildfires. You will research why these winds can be so dangerous, and how they contribute to the outbreak of fires. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • What are Santa Ana winds?
  • What atmospheric and landscape conditions are needed for Santa Ana winds to form?
  • How do Santa Ana winds affect vegetation?
  • What happens during a wildfire if Santa Ana winds blow?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above. Write about what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

You may use search engines to research other Web sites. You can also research Santa Ana winds at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.


Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to tell whether a Web site is reliable.


California's Wildfires
This February 2003 article from Time for Kids describes the chain reaction that occurred when Santa Ana winds fueled a wildfire. As you read, take notes on the causes and effects of this deadly combination.
Take Notes:



What Causes the Santa Ana Winds?
Here is a news article, also from February 2003, that explains Santa Ana winds. Look for details about how Santa Ana winds form. Take notes about how the winds affect vegetation. This article is from a news station in Washington State.
Take Notes:



Conditions for a Fire
The Santa Monica National Recreation Area is a national park in Los Angeles. This page from their Web site describes the ideal conditions for wildfires and explains the influence of Santa Ana winds. Take note of the sequence of events and the order in which they take place.
Take Notes:



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