Measurement And Predictability

Question 1

What kind of scale is the Saffir Simpson scale?

Answer 1

Absolute

Question 2

What are the limiting factors of the Saffir Simpson scale?

Answer 2

• Doesn’t take rainfall into account (flooding)
• Doesn’t take geography into account (New Orleans)
• Doesn’t take population density/urbanisation into account

Question 3

What’s it called when we predict hurricanes/disasters based on past events?

Answer 3

Hurricane/disaster return period
- Can help predict travel paths

Question 4

Is it proven that climate change is directly impacting tropical storms?

Answer 4

No - but the evidence of rising sea temperatures suggested it. Eustatic sea level rise may increase stor surge impact. Scientists need a longer assessment period to confirm.

Question 5

How could negative feedback counteract climate change impacts on tropical storms?

Answer 5

Increased wind sheer could counteract more moisture in the air

Question 6

What does the NOAA do to aid prediction?

Answer 6

Publishes annual prediction of hurricane activity.
Uses sea-surface temps, atmospheric conditions and climate cycles.

Question 7

What are the limitations of the NOAA?

Answer 7

Does not predict likely landfall (can’t help early warnings).
Does not work on a local scale.