storm hazards Flashcards
what is the coriolis effect?
the deflection of objects due to the rotation of the Earth.
How does the coriolis effect impact the weather?
by causing winds to curve and move to the east in the north hemisphere, and winds to move to the west in the southern hemisphere..
west towards the poles
east towards the equator
what is a tropical storm?
a centre of low pressure which forms over a warm ocean, producing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
give 3 components needed to form a tropical storm
- an ocean of 27 degrees and above
- an ocean of at least 70m depth
- located 15 degrees north or south of the equator
explain how a tropical storm is formed
- warm air rises and condenses releasing energy.
- The rising air creates a low pressure zone increasing winds.
- The coriolis effect causes the strom to spin around the eye.
- Rapidly desending cool air forms the eye wall
- The storm moves to the west due to easterly trade winds.
eye wall= strongest part of the storm.
What does the Saffir Simpson scale rate?
Storms on a scale of 1-5 based on their maximum wind speeds.
What is a major storm on the Saffir Simpson scale?
Cat 3 and above (111-130mph)
what is a Flash flood?
A rapid flooding of an area caused by a period of intense rainfall.
In terms of a storm, what is classified as a strong wind?
120kmh/75mph and above.
give 3 hazards of strong winds
- damage to infrastructure
- debris missiles
- injury + loss of life
what is an example of strong winds?
Typhoon Haiyan 2013 with winds of 315kmh
What is a Storm surge?
When a large volume of water is forced inland by low pressure and winds.
Give 3 hazards of storm surges
- Erodes beaches and damages sea defences
- destroys housing and infrastructure
- pollutes water supplies
What is an example of a storm surge?
Hurricane Katrina 2005 had a strom surge of 7.6m
What is coastal and river flooding?
Where large areas of low lying land are flooded by intense rainfaill and storm surges
give 3 hazards of coastal and river flooding
- overwhelms drainage systems
- causes damage to ecosystems
3.damages infrastructure due to impermeable surfaces
what causes landslides?
when soil becomes saturated and heavier causing it to become unstable
give 3 hazards of landslides
- loss of life
- damage to buildings
- damage to roads and transportation networks
give an example of a landslide
Hurricane Mitch in 1998, killing 18,000 in central America
what is a primary effect?
An initial impact of an event that occurs immediately after
what is a secondary effect?
An effect or impact caused by a primary effect rather than the initial hazard.
what are tropical storms called in asia?
Typhoons
what are tropical storms called in NA and EU?
hurricanes
what are tropical storms called in the indian ocean?
cyclones
