Puerto Rico's vulnerability to hurricanes - natural characteristics Flashcards
Describes the natural characteristics of Puerto Rico that makes it vulnerable to hurricanes
Where is Puerto Rico geographically located?
Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer.
Why is Puerto Rico prone to hurricanes?
Its location in the northeastern Caribbean places it directly in the path of many storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa.
When is the typical hurricane season for Puerto Rico?
From June to November.
How does Puerto Rico’s distance from the equator affect its susceptibility to hurricanes?
Being sufficiently distant from the equator allows the Coriolis effect to create the spin required for a hurricane.
What was significant about Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico in terms of timing?
Puerto Rico had just experienced Hurricane Irma 2 weeks before Hurricane Maria, causing pre-existing damage and ongoing relief efforts.
What is the significance of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean’s temperature concerning hurricanes around Puerto Rico?
The waters are often above 26 degrees Celsius, especially in the latter half of the year. Warm waters act as fuel for hurricanes, intensifying them. Hurricanes spend many days over these warm waters, gaining strength before reaching Puerto Rico.
How does Puerto Rico’s size compare to a typical hurricane?
Puerto Rico is a small island, so a hurricane can dwarf it in size.
Describe Puerto Rico’s topography and its implications during a hurricane.
Puerto Rico has coastal plains, valleys, and central mountains. Coastal areas are prone to storm surges, valleys can experience flash floods, and the mountainous regions are susceptible to landslides during a hurricane.
Why is Puerto Rico’s coastline particularly vulnerable during a hurricane?
Puerto Rico has a lot of coastline which is exposed to storm surges. Additionally, its flat agricultural lands are situated near the coast, meaning many inhabitants live close to the coast and are directly vulnerable to storm surges.
How does the island’s topography influence human vulnerability during hurricanes?
Since much of the flat land used for agriculture is found around the coastline, many people reside near the coast, making them more susceptible to storm surges caused by hurricanes.
