1) Please describe the typical path(s) for hurricanes. Is this part of the pattern of convection?

http://coast.noaa.gov/hurricanes/#app=c64c&88cd-selectedIndex=1

Click on hurricane in the upper right corner

Physics (hard)

http://www.psfc.mit.edu/library1/catalog/online_pubs/iap/iap2013/emanuel.pdf

http://outreach.phas.ubc.ca/phys420/p420_04/sean/

To understand the typical path of hurricanes, it is important to consider the pattern of convection and factors that influence their movement.

1. Formation: Hurricanes typically form over warm ocean waters near the equator, where the combination of warm air, moisture, and low wind shear conditions create a favorable environment for their development.

2. Initiation: The initial disturbance that forms a hurricane can come from various sources, such as tropical waves, frontal boundaries, or pre-existing low-pressure systems. These disturbances move westward due to the prevailing easterly winds in the tropics.

3. Tropical Depression: As the disturbance gains strength and sustains a closed circulation, it may develop into a tropical depression. At this stage, it becomes a low-pressure system with organized convection and maximum sustained winds below 39 mph (63 km/h).

4. Tropical Storm: If the tropical depression continues to intensify and reaches sustained winds between 39 to 73 mph (63 to 118 km/h), it becomes a tropical storm and is assigned a name. At this point, deeper convection and the formation of a well-defined center become more prominent.

5. Hurricane: When the tropical storm further strengthens with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or higher, it is classified as a hurricane. The storm's center, known as the eye, becomes more distinguishable, surrounded by intensely convective thunderstorms.

6. Influencing Factors: Hurricanes are influenced by various atmospheric and oceanic conditions. The most significant factor determining their paths is the large-scale weather patterns, such as the Coriolis effect, trade winds, and pressure systems. These factors steer hurricanes and generally contribute to their westward motion.

7. Trade Winds: The trade winds in the tropics blow predominantly from the east. As hurricanes develop within this region, they are generally carried westward by the trade winds.

8. Coriolis Effect: The rotation of the Earth causes a deflective force known as the Coriolis effect. It influences the direction of moving objects, including air masses. In the Northern Hemisphere, hurricanes tend to turn towards the right due to the Coriolis effect, leading to a curving path.

9. High-Pressure Systems: Around the subtropics, there are often high-pressure systems that establish a clockwise flow. These systems can act as "steering currents" and influence the path of hurricanes by providing a channel for them to travel.

10. Frontal Boundaries: As hurricanes move into higher latitudes, they can interact with frontal boundaries, which are boundaries between different air masses. These interactions may cause hurricanes to change their paths or transition into extratropical cyclones.

It is important to note that while there are general patterns and influences, hurricanes are complex and can deviate from their expected paths due to regional or local atmospheric conditions. Monitoring official weather sources, such as the National Hurricane Center, can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on current hurricane tracks.