Climate Change and management of tropical storms

Question 1

how does climate change affect tropical storms?

Answer 1

• frequency
• intensity
• distribution

Question 2

what is frequency?

Answer 2

oceans will stay at 27 degrees Celsius or higher for longer each year, so there’s a longer period when tropical storms can form

Question 3

what is intensity?

Answer 3

higher sea surface temperatures are likely to result in more evaporation and increased cloud formation, so more energy is released

Question 4

what is distribution?

Answer 4

as the average ocean temperature rises, more of the world’s oceans could be above 27 degrees Celsius

Question 5

what are the ways to reduce the effects of tropical storms?

Answer 5

prediction and monitoring:
- storms can be monitored using radar, satellites and aircraft
- computer models can then be used to calculate a storm’s predicted path

Question 6

what are the other ways to reduce the effects of tropical storms?

Answer 6

planning and protection:
- future developments (houses)
- emergency services can prepare for disasters by practising rescuing people from flooded areas
- flood defences can be built along rivers
- buildings can be designed to withstand tropical storms