L3 - Prepared or Carried away?

Question 1

What are the 4 methods of forecasting (help with preparation for cyclones) used to track cyclones?

Answer 1

Atmospheric pressure
Satellite tracking and radar
Modelling
Communicating information

Question 2

What do atmospherics pressures tell us?

Answer 2

Most common forecasting methods
Low pressures are usually sources of cyclones
Pressure readings have to be taken locally as the ocean is vast
Buoys are anchored in tropical oceans to send pressure readings
Can also predict storm surges

Question 3

What does satellite tracking tell us?

Answer 3

Allows large areas of ocean to be monitored for activity and tropical storm cloud formation
Cyclone progress can be tracked
After the eye has developed it is easier to spot but in its early stages it’s hard to spot. Also tells us distances

Question 4

What does modelling tell us?

Answer 4

Atmospheric pressure data, sea temperature, wind speed and direction model likely tracks, intensification and dissipation.

Question 5

What can humans do to make the impact of cyclones better?

Answer 5

Mitigation and prediction systems - e.g. satellite tacking, modelling)
Prep of people and properties - e.g. building shelters and stronger buildings, communicating with people
Relief aid
Stable, strong and non-corrupt government

Question 6

What do humans do to make the situation worse?

Answer 6

Population increasing and density (RUM)
Developing slums in undesirable locations (e.g. weak hills or marshy area)
Adding stress to hilly areas
Deforestation
Limited prep
Corrupt and weak governments

Question 7

What physical characteristics affect the impact?

Answer 7

Cyclone intensity
Location characteristics (e.g. mountainous, loose soils - landslides)
- Coastline shape
Time of event