3.1.5.5 Storm Hazards Flashcards
what is a tropical storm
huge spinning storm with winds up to 250km/h and torrential rain
characteristics of a tropical storm
circular
hundreds of metres wide
last up to two weeks
where do tropical storms develop
over warm water +27 degrees c
within the tropics (23oN, 23oS)
water over 50m deep
how do tropical storm form
as warm, moist air develops over oceans it cools and condenses to form tall storm clouds
as warm air rises, cooler air is drawn towards the centre of low pressure. This air convergence forces the rising warm air upwards
what is the coriolis effect
A force caused by the earths rotation
It deflects the path of the converging winds to rotate
When do tropical storms lose energy
When they make landfall and the supply of moist air is cut off
What are the types of storm hazards
High winds Storm surges Heavy rain Flooding Landslides
What are tropical storm called in the carribean
Hurricanes
What are tropical storms called in the indian ocean
Cyclones
What are tropical storms called in the china sea
Typhoons
Where is the coriolis effect weak and what does it mean
At the equator
It means that tropical storms dont form between 0-5° of the equator
What is storm magnitude classified by
Saffir-Simpson Scale
Based on windspeed
How often do tropical storms occur
Frequent - 100 a year
Why can storms be tracked and predicted better now
Satellite imagery
Social impacts of a tropical storm
People drown
People are left homeless
Power supplys cut off
Agricultural land damaged
Economic impacts of a tropical storm
Huge costs in rebuilding businesses and homes
Political impacts of tropical storms
Authorities blamed for shortages of food
Expensive repairs can hinder a countries development
Environmental impacts of a tropical storm
Beaches eroded and coastal habitats destroyed
Environments are polluted e.g. Salt water
Landslides block rivers, changing their course
