How climate change may affect tropical storms

Question 1

How much have global sea surface temperatures risen by since 1900?

Answer 1

1.06 degrees and is expected to rise more as a result of climate change. This may have an impact on the frequency, distribution and intensity.

Question 2

Frequency

Answer 2

Oceans will stay at 27 degrees or higher for longer each year, so there’s a longer period when tropical storms can form. This may mean that there are more storms each year.

Question 3

Distribution

Answer 3

As the average ocean temperature rises, more of the world’s oceans could be above 27 degrees - this may mean that tropical storms can form in areas that haven’t experienced them before, e.g. at higher latitudes.

Question 4

Intensity

Answer 4

Higher sea surface temperatures are likely to result in more evaporation and increased cloud formation, so more energy is released. This could mean storms become more powerful.