3.2 The Global Distribution Of Tropical Storms Flashcards
natural hazard def
Natural hazards are extreme natural events that can cause loss of life, extreme damage to property and disrupt human activities
tropical storm (hurricane, cyclone, typhoon) def
an area of low pressure with winds moving in a spiral around the calm central point called the ‘eye’ of the storm. Winds are powerful and rainfall is heavy.
when does a tropical storm occur?
- when tropical warm air rises to create an area of intense low pressure
- as the warm, moist air reaches high altitudes, powerful winds spiral around the calm central point
- the warm air cools and condenses into heavy rainfall and thunderstorms
Where do tropical storms occur?
- in the tropics, mainly where the ITCZ lies
- south of the tropic of Cancer and north of the Tropic of Capricorn
why do tropical storms occur in the tropics?
high insolation means temperatures are higher than the poles
why do sea temperatures need to be at 27 degrees at a depth of 60-70 metres
- provides heat and moisture that causes the warm air to rise rapidly in low-pressure regions
- latent heat is released, which powers the tropical storm
what is low wind shear and why is it needed for tropical storms to develop
- low wind shear is wind which remains constant and doesn’t vary with height
- this means that tropical storm clouds can rise to high levels without being torn apart
Coriolis effect def
the result of Earth’s rotation on weather patterns and ocean currents
what are the conditions that cause a tropical storm?
- in the tropics
- sea temperatures above 27 degrees at a depth of 60-70 metres
- low wind shear
Why can’t tropical storms develop at the Equator?
The Coriolis effect is not strong enough along the Equator to allow tropical storms to spin
Describe the global distribution of tropical storms
- Above and below the Equator
- Located between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn
- Dont take place directly on the Equator
