Challenges of Natural Hazards KO 2 Flashcards
What is Atmospheric circulation
Atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air by which heat is distributed on the surface of the Earth
Hadley cell
Largest cell which extends from the Equator to between 30° to 40° north & south
Ferrel cell
Middle cell where air flows poleward between 60° & 70° latitude
Polar cell
Smallest & weakest cell that occurs from the poles to the Ferrel cell
Low pressure
Caused by hot air rising. Causes stormy, cloudy weather
High pressure
Caused by cold air sinking. Causes clear and calm weather
Formation of tropical storms
(pt.1)
The sun’s rays heats large areas of ocean in the summer and autumn. This causes warm, moist air to rise over the particular spots
Once the temperature is 27⁰, the rising warm moist air leads to a low pressure. This eventually turns into a thunderstorm. This causes air to be sucked in from the trade winds
Formation of tropical storms
(pt.2)
With trade winds blowing in the opposite direction and the rotation of earth involved (Coriolis effect), the thunderstorm will eventually start to spin
When the storm begins to spin faster than 74mph, a tropical storm (such as a hurricane) is officially born
Formation of tropical storms (pt.3)
With the tropical storm growing in power, more cool air sinks in the centre of the storm, creating calm, clear condition called the eye of the storm
When the tropical storm hits land, it loses its energy source (the warm ocean) and it begins to lose strength. Eventually it will ‘blow itself out
Changing pattern of tropical storms
Scientist believe that global warming is having an impact on the frequency and strength of tropical storms. This may be due to an increase in ocean temperatures
Management of Tropical Storms : Protection
Preparing for a tropical storm may involve construction projects that will improve protection
Management of Tropical Storms : Aid
Aid involves assisting after the storm, commonly in LIDs
Management of Tropical Storms : Development
The scale of the impacts depends on the whether the country has the resources cope with the storm
Management of tropical storms : Planning
Involves getting people and the emergency services ready to deal with the impacts
Management of tropical storms : Prediction
Constant monitoring can help to give advanced warning of a tropical storm
Management of tropical storms : Education
Teaching people about what to do in a tropical storm
Causes of the 2003 UK Heat Wave
The heat wave was caused by an anticyclone (areas of high pressure) that stayed in the area for most of August. This blocked any low pressure systems that normally brings cooler and rainier conditions
Effects of the 2003 UK Heat Wave
People suffered from heat strokes and dehydration.
2000 people died from causes linked to heatwave.
Rail network disrupted and crop yields were low.
Management of the 2003 UK Heat Wave
The NHS and media gave guidance to the public.
Limitations placed on water use (hose pipe ban).
Speed limits imposed on trains and government created ‘heatwave plan’
What is climate change
Climate change is a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet’s weather patterns or average temperatures. Earth has had tropical climates and ice ages many times in its 4.5 billion years
Evidence for Climate change : Global temperature
Average global temperatures have increased by more than 0.6°C since 1950.
Evidence for Climate change : Ice sheets & Glaciers
Many of the world’s glaciers and ice sheets are melting. E.g. the Arctic sea ice has declined by 10% in 30 years
Evidence for Climate change : Sea level & change
Average global sea level has risen by 10-20cms in the past 100 years. This is due to the additional water from ice and thermal expansion
Enhanced greenhouse effect
Recently there has been an increase in humans burning fossil fuels for energy. These fuels (gas, coal and oil) emit greenhouse gases. This is making the Earth’s atmosphere thicker, therefore trapping more solar radiation and causing less to be reflected. As a result, the Earth is becoming warmer
Evidence of natural change : Orbital changes
Some argue that climate change is linked to how the Earth orbits the Sun, and the way it wobbles and tilts as it does it
Evidence of natural change : Sun spots
Dark spots on the Sun are called Sun spots. They increase the amount of energy Earth receives from the Sun
Evidence of natural change : Volcanic eruptions
Volcanoes release large amounts of dust containing gases. These can block sunlight and results in cooler temperatures
Managing climate change : Carbon Capture
This involves new technology designed to reduce climate change
Managing climate change : Carbon Capture
This involves new technology designed to reduce climate change
Managing climate change : Planting Trees
Planting trees increase the amount of carbon is absorbed from atmosphere
Managing climate change : International Agreements
Countries aim to cut emissions by signing international deals and by setting targets
Managing climate change : Renewable Energy
Replacing fossil fuels based energy with clean/natural sources of energy
Primary Effects of Tropical Storms
The intense winds of tropical storms can destroy whole communities, buildings and communication networks.
As well as their own destructive energy, the winds can generate abnormally high waves called storm surges.
Sometimes the most destructive elements of a storm are these subsequent high seas and flooding they cause to coastal areas
Secondary Effects of Tropical Storms
People are left homeless, which can cause distress, poverty and ill health due to lack of shelter.
Shortage of clean water and lack of proper sanitation makes it easier for diseases to spread.
Businesses are damaged or destroyed causing employment.
Shortage of food as crops are damaged
Causes of Typhoon Haiyan
Started as a tropical depression on 2rd November 2013 and gained strength. Became a Category 5 “super typhoon” and made landfall on the Pacific islands of the Philippines
Effects of Typhoon Haiyan
Almost 6,500 deaths.
130,000 homes destroyed.
Water and sewage systems destroyed had caused diseases.
Emotional grief for dead.
Management / Responses to Typhoon Haiyan
The UN raised £190m in aid.
USA & UK sent helicopter carrier ships deliver aid remote areas.
Education on typhoon preparedness
