The Challenge of Natural Hazards Flashcards
What is a natural hazard?
A hazard which can impact/harm human life
Name 5 natural hazards?
Hurricane
Pandemic
Earthquake
Volcano
Tropical Storms
What is weather?
The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time
What is climate?
The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period of time
What is insolation?
Amount of solar radiation reaching a given area
What is latitude?
The angular distance of a place north or south of the earth’s equator
What is the earth driven by?
The energy from the sun
What varies the amount of insolation in a place?
Latitudes
What type of levels of insolation would you see if you were at low latitudes near the equator?
High levels of insolation as rays are spread over a small area
What is the insolation like at the poles?
Low levels of insolation due to rays being spread over large distances
Why does warm air rise?
Because it’s less dense
Why does cool air sink?
Because it’s very dense
What is it called when air particles move from high to low pressure?
It’s known as wind
Name all the cells of earth?
Polar cell, Ferrell cell, Hadley cell
Which way and in what oceans are hurricanes found?
They move West and are found in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Which way and in what oceans are Cyclones found?
They move North and South and are found in the Indian Ocean
Which way and in what oceans are Typhoons found?
They move North and are found in the Pacific Ocean
Which way and in what oceans are Willy-willies found?
They move South and West and are found in the Pacific Ocean
How do tropical storms form? (6-7 point)
- Sun sends solar radiation warming the oceans
- The warm air has to reach 27 degrees
- Warm moist air will rise in air thermals, this gives low pressure at the centre of the storm
- Air cools rising thus causing condensation and rain to occur
- Some air cools and sinks creating the eye
- Air rushes in from high pressure, lowering pressure at the centre
Why do storms spin?
Coriolis affect and trade winds
How many categories are there for tropical storms?
5
Due to climate change what will happen to storms in terms of frequency, intensity and distribution?
Frequency: Decrease or not change
Intensity: Will become stronger
Distribution: Will be further North and South
Give 4 immediate responses of tropical storms?
Evacuation
Temporary shelters set up
Rescue of people trapped
Providing food and water for people
Give 4 Long term responses of tropical storms?
Repair and rebuild
rehousing people
Repair transport infrastructure
Improve defences to tropical storms
