Hurricanes KT Flashcards
True or False?
Tropical storms/ hurricanes are intense high pressure weather systems:
False
When water vapour condenses in the atmosphere, latent heat is released. What effect does this have on the atmosphere?
Heats it up
How does the release of latent heat affect evaporation rates/ energy of the storm?
Increases
Does the coriolos force or trade winds cause the storm to rotate?
Coriolis force affects air travelling around the earth at different speeds depending on its location- deflects air to rotate anti-clockwise in the north h, clockwise in the south
Why do sea temperatures need to be 27 degrees and above?
- For a hurricane to develop it needs heat from the ocean
- Heat= transferred from the ocean to the atmosphere when water at the ocean’s surface evaporates-> water vapour
- Causes ocean to cool slightly= heat is transferred to the atmosphere
What direction do hurricanes move in the northern hemisphere?
West
What direction do hurricanes rotate in the northern hemsiphere?
Anti-clockwise
What pressure approximately is common in the eye of the hurricane?
950mb
Why are there strong winds associated with the eye wall?
Strong horizontal winds move from high pressure to low pressure, converge on the eye
What is the name of the scale used for hurricane classification?
Saffir-Simpson scale
How many categories are there of hurricanes?
5
How is the regularity and frequency of hurricanes changing?
Frequency= same
Regularity= stronger, lasting longer
How are storm events predicted?
- Satellite and radar technology= track the approach of the tropical storm
- Reinforced aircraft= fly through and over tropical storms- weather radar can locate storms within 200 miles of the radar station
- Computer forecast models= compare info on past storms+ info on atmospheric pressure, wind+ moisture
- Computer models= measure low pressure, relief of land and wind speed to calc how much water will be pushed towards the shore by the force of the winds.
Name the hurricane that affected Haiti in October 2016
Matthew
What category was hurricane matthew when it hit landfall?
4
Deaths in Haiti from hurricane matthew
1000
How many civilians in Haiti were in need of basic help after H matthew?
1.5 mill
What % of buildings in Jeremie were flattened because of HM?
80%
How did the UN respond to HM?
£97m hurricane emergency fund
Provided peacekeeping force (teargas/loot trucks)
How did the physical geog of Haiti affect the effects of the storm?
Deforestation
Steep valleys/poor soil/ rivers/ cities built along rivers in valley
How did Governor Rick Scott prepare for hurricane M in Florida?
- Mandatory evacuations
- National guard on standby
- Fuel trucks placed along Florida Turnpike for quick deployment
- Maximised water discharges in Lake Okeechobee
- Bridges, tunnels, airports closed
What % of residences in the Jacksonville area evacuated?
70%
How many people died in Florida because of HM?
12
How many property damage claims were filed in Florida after HM?
119,000
