global hazards: heat wave Flashcards
What is a heat wave?
A long period (days or weeks) during which the temperature is much higher than normal.
Heat waves can significantly impact health and the environment.
What meteorological phenomenon causes heat waves?
Anticyclones (areas of high pressure) that stay in the same place for some time.
These systems can lead to prolonged periods of hot weather.
What was the main cause of the 2003 heat wave in the UK?
An anticyclone situated over western Europe for most of August.
This phenomenon caused higher temperatures and lower rainfall.
How does air movement around an anticyclone affect weather?
Air moves clockwise around an anticyclone, bringing hot, dry air from the continent to surrounding areas.
This leads to increased temperatures and reduced precipitation.
What were some health consequences of the 2003 heat wave in the UK?
- Heat stroke
- Dehydration
- Sunburn
- Breathing problems due to air pollution.
The heat wave had severe impacts on public health.
How many people died in the UK due to the 2003 heat wave?
Around 2000 people.
Many deaths were linked to heat-related health issues.
What environmental impacts did the 2003 heat wave have in the UK?
- Water levels fell in reservoirs
- Livestock died
- Lower crop yields.
These consequences threatened agriculture and water supply.
What infrastructure issues arose during the 2003 heat wave?
- Train disruptions due to buckling rails
- Melting of some roads.
Infrastructure was severely impacted by extreme heat.
What public health measures were taken during the 2003 heat wave?
- Guidance from the NHS and media on surviving the heat
- Limiting water use with hosepipe bans
- Imposing speed limits on trains.
These measures aimed to protect public safety.
What was included in the UK’s response plan for future heat waves?
A ‘heat wave plan’ to minimize the consequences of future heat waves.
This plan is part of long-term strategies to handle extreme weather.
Fill in the blank: An anticyclone blocks ______ systems that would normally bring cooler, rainier conditions.
low pressure.
This blockage leads to sustained high temperatures.
