Eoy Weather Hazards Flashcards
What is global atmospheric circulation
The movement of air around the planet
What drives global atmospheric circulation?
The rotation of the earth and the amount of heat different parts of the globe receive
What are the main characteristics of global atmospheric circulation?
Movement of air around the Earth in cells, transferring and redistributing energy
Where do tropical storms occur?
Normally found in tropical regions between 5° and 30° north and south of the equator (where the water is warmest).
Why do tropical storms occur where they do?
Because they needs warm oceans of 27 degrees and higher
How do tropical storms form?
When ocean surface waters reach at least 27°C, the warm air above the water rises quickly, causing area of very low pressure.
As the air rises quickly, more warm moist air is drawn upwards from above the ocean, creating strong winds.
Why does a tropical storm spin?
The Coriolis force makes it spin
Which direction do tropical storms travel in
They initially move westward
(due to Easterly winds).
How might climate change change affect tropical storms
More locations could be affected by tropical storms. Warmer seas could cause the areas where the storms form to extend further north and south of the equator.
How are tropical storms monitored
By satellites and aircraft to track their size, temperature, moisture, windspeed and air pressure.
How can tropical storms be predicted
By satellites and aircraft to track their size, temperature, moisture, windspeed and air pressure.
