Hazards: 5.4 - Storm Hazards

Question 1

Define Tropical revolving storms (hurricanes)

Answer 1

Intense low-Pa weather systems that develop in the tropics

Question 2

What must the diameter be for tropical revolving storm classification?

Answer 2

200-700 km

Question 3

Outline how tropical revolving storms initially form

Answer 3

Low Pa area warm air spirals together - small-scale disturbances enlarge into tropical storms

Question 4

Outline the 1st factor of hurricane development

Answer 4

Oceanic location - temp >27 C to maintain rising air currents

Question 5

Outline the 2nd factor of hurricane development

Answer 5

Ocean depth at least 70m - moisture for rapidly rising air which cools and condenses releasing latent heat energy for fuel

Question 6

Outline the 3rd factor of hurricane development

Answer 6

5 degrees N/S of equator so Coriolis ‘spinning’ effect = MAX air rotation

Question 7

Outline the 4th factor of hurricane development

Answer 7

Low-level air convergence in lower atmospheric circulation system

Question 8

Outline the 5th factor of hurricane development

Answer 8

Rapid air outflow in upper atmospheric circulation - push away warm air