Paper 1: The Challenge of Natural Hazards: Meteorolgical hazards

Question 1

What is global atmospheric circulation?

Answer 1

The movement of air around the world as it moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. It causes areas to have certain climates.

Question 2

Which area of the Earth has receives most heat from the Sun?

Answer 2

The equator

Question 3

What are the three cells of the global atmospheric circulation model?

Answer 3

Hadley, Ferrell and Polar

Question 4

What is a tropical storm?

Answer 4

A spiraling weather system with heavy rain and high winds.

Question 5

What are tropical storms also known as?

Answer 5

Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons

Question 6

What sea temperature do tropical storms need to form?

Answer 6

27°C +

Question 7

Why do tropical storms spin?

Answer 7

Because of the rotation of the Earth

Question 8

Which direction do tropical storms move?

Answer 8

West

Question 9

How do tropical storms form?

Answer 9

High sea temperatures (27 degrees Celsius +) mean that water evaporates rapidly. The warm moist air rises, and cools. It condenses forming huge clouds. More air rushes inwards to fill the area of low pressure left by the rising air. The spinning of the Earth causes this air to spiral.

Question 10

Why do tropical storms die when they move over land?

Answer 10

They are fueled by warm moist air over the sea. When them move over land, they quickly lose energy.

Question 11

What is the hole in the middle of a tropical storm called?

Answer 11

The eye

Question 12

What are the conditions like in the eye of the storm?

Answer 12

Calm - no wind or rain

Question 13

What is the edge of the eye called?

Answer 13

The eye wall

Question 14

What are the conditions like at the eye wall?

Answer 14

This is the most extreme part of the storm - very high winds and rainfall.

Question 15

Where do tropical storms occur?

Answer 15

5° - 30° North and South of the equator

Question 16

Do tropical storms occur on the equator?

Answer 16

No

Question 17

How might climate change affect tropical storms?

Answer 17

Storms could be stronger and more places will be affected. They also could occur a longer period of the year.

Question 18

Why might tropical storms occur in more places if the Earth’s climate warms?

Answer 18

More areas will have sea temperatures of 27°C+.

Question 19

What is a storm surge?

Answer 19

When the high winds from a tropical storm force sea water onto the land, causing widespread flooding.

Question 20

What are the 4 management strategies for reducing the effects of tropical storms?

Answer 20

Monitoring, prediction, protection and planning

Question 21

How are tropical storms monitored?

Answer 21

Satellite images can be used to track the tropical storm.

Question 22

Why is it useful to be able to predict tropical storms?

Answer 22

People in at risk areas can be evacuated. Loose objects can be tied down.

Question 23

How can places plan for tropical storms?

Answer 23

Building new houses in areas that aren’t at risk of flooding. Making evacuation plans. Practicing rescuing people from flooded areas.

Question 24

How can places be protected from tropical storms?

Answer 24

Flood defences such as sea walls. Strengthening buildings to withstand high wind.