The structure and features of tropical storms

Question 1

What is the approximate maximum size of a tropical storm?

Answer 1

Up to 480 km (300 miles)

Tropical storms can cover vast areas, impacting large regions.

Question 2

What is the central area of a tropical storm called?

Answer 2

The eye

The eye is characterized by calm conditions and clear skies.

Question 3

What is the eye wall in a tropical storm?

Answer 3

A tall bank of cloud surrounding the eye with strong winds and heavy rain

Wind speeds can exceed 120 km/h in the eye wall.

Question 4

What significant energy release occurs in a tropical storm?

Answer 4

The energy equivalent to 10 atom bombs every second

This immense energy contributes to the storm’s destructive power.

Question 5

How are hurricanes measured?

Answer 5

Using the Saffir-Simpson scale

This scale categorizes hurricanes based on their wind speeds.

Question 6

What was the highest recorded wind speed of Hurricane Camille?

Answer 6

304 km/h (190 mph)

This record was set in 1969.

Question 7

What changes have been observed in sea surface temperatures in the Tropics over recent decades?

Answer 7

Increased by 0.25-0.5°C

This increase may affect tropical storm patterns and intensity.

Question 8

True or False: Hurricanes usually form in the South Atlantic.

Answer 8

False

Cold ocean currents prevent hurricane formation in this region.

Question 9

What is the potential impact of climate change on tropical storms?

Answer 9

May affect their distribution and intensity

Future storms may occur in new areas and be more powerful.

Question 10

What event occurred in March 2004 related to hurricanes?

Answer 10

Hurricane Catarina struck the southeast coast of Brazil

It was the first hurricane recorded in the South Atlantic.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The number of hurricanes recorded in the North Atlantic has ______ since 1878.

Answer 11

increased

Six of the ten most active years have occurred since the mid-1990s.

Question 12

What does the Power Dissipation Index measure?

Answer 12

Hurricane intensity

It provides insights into the strength of hurricanes over time.

Question 13

What is a possible future trend regarding tropical storms according to computer models?

Answer 13

Frequency may decrease, but intensity might increase

This indicates a complex relationship between climate change and storm behavior.

Question 14

Describe the pattern of hurricanes reaching the USA since 1980.

Answer 14

Increased frequency

A notable rise in the number of hurricanes impacting the USA has been observed.