Lesson 402 Hurricanes

Question 1

Where is the separation between tropical and extra-tropical regions?

Answer 1

Meteorologists define tropical meteorology as the study of the atmosphere on the equatorial side of the subtropical highs.

Question 2

What are the factors that control the evolution of tropical weather?
GUST

Answer 2

General circulation
Upper level flow
Surface convergence
Thermal advection and fronts

Question 3

Hurricane season in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico runs from _________ through ________ with the maximum activity in _________.

Answer 3

June 1 through November 30

September

Question 4

Describe the two energy sources at work during the formation of hurricanes:

Answer 4

Sensible heat: the warm ocean transfers sensible heat to the air above it.
Latent heat is released by an enormous amount of water vapour condensing which warms the air and lowers the surface pressure.

Question 5

List the six elements required for the formation of a hurricane.
LOPCMM

Answer 5

Latitude: 5-15 degrees of the equator
Over ocean: sea-surface temperature must be 26.5 C or more
Positive low-level vorticity: concentrated within 240 km
Conditional instability: promotes deep convection
Mid-troposheric humidity: must be high
Minimum vertical shear: prevents energy dispersal and allows enhancement of convective currents.

Question 6

List the meteorological hazards associated with hurricanes.

WRTTS

Answer 6

Wind (64 KT - 200 KT)
Rain
Thunderstorms 
Tornadoes 
Storm surge

Question 7

Tornados typically occur either _______ or ________ of the storm centre or in any quadrant within ______ km of the centre.

Answer 7

NE or E

50 km