L2 - Storm Hazards Flashcards
What are the physical hazards of cyclones?
High winds, landslides, intense rainfall, storm surges and large waves
What are the consequences of high winds, storm surges and large waves?
Coastal flooding, erosion, river damage, infrastructure damage etc.
What is a storm surge?
A tropical cyclone creates low pressure, sea levels rise, this + high winds means large water masses are moved to land by the wind with severe force.
What are additional factors needed for cyclones to form?
Humidity
Rapid cooling
Low wind shear (variation in wind speed)
Pre-existing low pressure disturbances
How does the ITCZ affect tropical cyclones?
Inter-tropical convergence zone, permanent area of low pressure so it is ideal for cyclone formation (near the Hadley cell). Band of thunderstorms that surround the equator. Source of cyclones
What factors affect tropical cyclone intensity?
Oceanic temperature - moving to colder water areas means less energy = lower intensity
Land - when it hits land it loses energy as its fuel source is lost - the ocean
Winds - if they are blowing in different directions the storm loses intensity
Why do landslides occur?
The rock becomes saturated due to heavy precipitation
The soil is heavy and cannot withstand its own weight, hence sliding.
