Meteorology of the Pacific

Students research seasonal wind and weather patterns over the route of the voyage. This information will help the student understand the wind and weather conditions encountered by the canoe as it travels to Rapa Nui. It will also help the student understand and appreciate (1) the timing of the voyage; (2) the course strategy to Rapa Nui and to other destinations; (3) the difficulty of sailing to Rapa Nui, which lies 1450 miles upwind of Mangareva. Advanced Research: How are these seasonal wind and weather patterns created? Do the seasonal wind and weather patterns change from year to year or decade to decade or century to century? What causes these changes (El Nino, La Nina, Effects of Global Warming on Climate, etc.).

Resources within this website:

Winds, Weather, and Currents of the Pacific
Daily Weather Maps and
Forecast Models

Possible Activities: Comparing weather where the student is to weather on the canoe: Is the weather outside the same or different from the weather on the canoe? What is creating the weather in both places?