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Hazards > 3.1.5.5 Storm Hazards > Flashcards

3.1.5.5 Storm Hazards Flashcards

1
Q

Tropical Storms

A

Tropical storms are intense, low-pressure systems that develop in the tropics.

The are referred to as hurricanes (in the Atlantic), cyclones (in southern Asia) and typhoons (in the west Pacific).

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2
Q

Conditions for tropical storms to occur

A
  • An oceanic temperature of 27 degrees C
  • An ocean depth of more than 70m
  • A location 5 degrees north or south of the equator - so that the Coriolis force brings about maximum rotation
  • Convergence of air in the lower atmosphere
  • Rapid outflow of air in the upper atmosphere
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3
Q

Sequence of formation

A
  1. Warm ocean water causes a large amount of water evaporation
  2. Winds converge close to the ocean surface, forcing air upwards
  3. The air is unstable and winds rise rapidly
  4. Warm rising air condenses to form cloud and rain. The heat generated from condensation warms the surrounding air and it rises forming an intense ‘up draught’
  5. Dry cooler air from the upper atmosphere descends.
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4
Q

Forms of storm hazards

A
  • High winds
  • Storm surges
  • Heavy rain
  • Flooding
  • Landslides
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5
Q

What does the impact of storm hazards depend on?

A

Impacts depend on:

  • Storm intensity
  • Speed of movement
  • Distance from the sea
  • Preparation of the community
  • Warnings and community response
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6
Q

Spatial distribution of storm hazards

A

Tropical storms are distributed between 5 and 20 degrees north and south of the equator.

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7
Q

Magnitude of storm hazard measurement

A

The magnitude of storm hazards are measured by the Saffir-Simpson scale.

This is a scale of 1-5 and is based on pressure at the centre, wind speed, storm surge and damage potential.

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8
Q

Frequency of storm hazards

A

Every year 80-100 tropical storms develop around the world.

Northern Hemisphere from June-November, Southern Hemisphere from
November-April. Tropical storms that are more powerful and reaching land are
thought to be increasing in frequency.

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9
Q

Regularity of storm hazards

A

Tropical storms are irregular because although they occur in the same areas, their path does not follow a set route - the route taken is dependent on the storm and the climatic conditions.

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10
Q

Predictability of storm hazards

A

Tropical storms form away from land meaning satellite tracking of cloud
formations and movement can be tracked and the general route can be
predicted.

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11
Q

Storm surges

A

Large rise in sea levels caused by low pressure and high winds, pushing
water towards the coast.

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12
Q

Primary environmental impact

A
  • Beaches eroded
  • Sand displaced
  • Coastal habitats such as coral reefs are destroyed
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13
Q

Secondary environmental impact

A
  • River flooding/ salt water contamination
  • Animals displaced from flooding e.g. alligators
  • Water sources changing course from blockages
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14
Q

Primary economic impacts

A
  • Businesses destroyed

- Agricultural land damaged

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15
Q

Secondary economic impacts

A
  • High cost of rebuilding and insurance pay out
  • Sources of income lost
  • Economic decline from sources of income destroyed
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16
Q

Primary social impact

A
  • Drowning
  • Debris carried by high winds can injure or kill
  • Buildings destroyed
17
Q

Secondary social impact

A
  • Homelessness
  • Polluted water supplies spread disease
  • Food shortages from damaged land
18
Q

Primary social impact

A
  • Government buildings destroyed
19
Q

Secondary social impact

A
  • Issues paying back international aid

- Pressure for government to do more about global warming

20
Q

Short term responses

A
  • Evacuation
  • Providing health care
  • Providing emergency food and water supplies
  • Providing emergency shelter
21
Q

Long term responses

A
  • Prevention
  • Preparedness
  • Mitigation
  • Adaption
22
Q

Prevention of storm hazards

A

Tropical storms cannot be avoided, but they can be studied to help understand which areas are going to be most affected.

23
Q

Preparedness for storm hazards

A

Awareness through education of what to do during a tropical storm.

Evacuation plans and training.

Satellite image tracking to manage areas that are at risk.

Storm warning systems and television broadcasts tracking the storm.

24
Q

Mitigation of storm hazards

A

Search and rescue, immediate emergency aid, education.

Strengthening the home through door barricade, roof strengthening etc.

Clearing loose debris before storms.

25
Q

Adaption from storm hazards

A

Move away from areas of risk.

Design buildings to withstand high winds and flood damage.

Flood defences such as houses on stilts, coastal walls, river levees etc.

Hazards (5 decks)

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