Storm Hazards Flashcards
Define a tropical storm hazard
Intense low pressure weather systems that develop in the tropics
5 conditions needed for tropical storms to form
Sea depth of min. 70m
Sea temp 27°+
5° N or S of equator
Low level convergence in lower atmospheric circulation
Rapid outflow of air in upper atmospheric ciruclation
How are tropical storms measured
Saffir Simpson scale
What is the saffir Simpson scale based on
Central pressure
Wind speed
Storm surge
Damage potential
Avg lifespan of tropical storms
7-14 days
What are tropical storms in the Atlantic called
Hurricanes
What are tropical storms in the Indian Ocean called
Cyclones
What are tropical storms in the pacific called
Typhoons
Why do tropical storms move away from the equator
Rotational force is 0 at the equator
Increases as it gets further away and closer to the poles
It needs to generate a vortex (known as the coriolis effect)
What is the movement of a tropical storm away from the equator called
Coriolis effect
What is the eye of a tropical storm
The calm clear area in the centre
What is the eye wall of a tropical storm
The most violent and strong winds
What is latent heat required for
Turn a solid into liquid or liquid into gas without any change in temp
How many storm events each year on average
45
Which region experiences the most tropical storms
South east Asia 33% of the total
What will cause storms to become more intense
Climate change and rising sea temps
How many km can tropical storms be wide
200-700 km
What is the 8 step formation of tropical storms
1.begin as an atmospheric disturbance of low pressures
2.warm water causes large volumes of evaporation
3.winds converge close to the ocean forcing air to ride
4.air rides and evaporation condenses to form clouds causing heavy rainfall. Latent heat is released as an energy source
5.dry cooler air descends from the upper atmosphere down the centre creating the eye
6. Coriolis effect causes storm to rotate
7. Storm begins to use warm water as its primary energy source and is self sustaining
8. Storm reaches land and loses energy caused by friction
Primary social impacts of tropical storms
People may drown or killed
Schools wrecked distrusting education
Hospitals wrecked
Primary environmental impacts
Strong winds up to 300km/h
Heavy rainfall exceeding 500mm
Up to 7m high storm surges
Crops trees and farmland destroyed
Beaches eroded
Secondary social impacts of tropical storms
Flooding causing sewage contamination
Famine
Homelessness
Secondary economic impacts of tropical storms
Large total costs of damage
Businesses and industries damaged
Expensive repairs to infrastructure
Secondary environmental impacts of tropical storms
Chemical spills and water pollution
Food shortages from agricultural damage
Secondary political impacts of tropical storms
Power lines fall cutting communication
Blaming authorities for resource shortage
Army have to be brought in to stop looting
