TROPICAL CYCLONE SCALE Flashcards
What is the Tropical Cyclone Scale used for?
It classifies cyclones based on wind speed, intensity, and potential damage.
What is the most widely used scale for measuring tropical cyclones?
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
How many categories does the Saffir-Simpson Scale have?
Five categories (Category 1 to Category 5) based on wind speed.
What is the wind speed range for a Category 1 cyclone?
120–150 km/h (Minimal damage).
What is the wind speed range for a Category 2 cyclone?
150–180 km/h (Moderate damage).
What is the wind speed range for a Category 3 cyclone?
180–210 km/h (Extensive damage).
What is the wind speed range for a Category 4 cyclone?
210–250 km/h (Extreme damage).
What is the wind speed range for a Category 5 cyclone?
Above 250 km/h (Catastrophic damage).
What scale does the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) use?
The IMD Tropical Cyclone Scale, with seven categories.
What is the lowest category on the IMD Scale?
Depression, with wind speeds 31-49 km/h.
What is the strongest category on the IMD Scale?
Super Cyclonic Storm (SuCS), with wind speeds above 222 km/h.
What is a Tropical Depression in the IMD scale?
A weak cyclone with wind speeds below 63 km/h.
What is a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) in the IMD scale?
A storm with wind speeds 88-117 km/h.
What is a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) in the IMD scale?
A storm with wind speeds 118-166 km/h.
What is a Hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean?
A tropical cyclone with wind speeds above 119 km/h.
What is a Typhoon in the Western Pacific?
A tropical cyclone with wind speeds above 119 km/h.
How is a Tropical Storm different from a hurricane or cyclone?
A Tropical Storm has wind speeds 63-119 km/h, below hurricane strength.
What is the Beaufort Wind Scale classification for a tropical cyclone?
A Beaufort scale rating of 12 or higher.
What is the main factor that determines cyclone category?
Sustained wind speed.
Why are tropical cyclone scales important?
They help predict damage, plan evacuations, and warn the public.
