Tropical Cyclones Flashcards
What are cyclones also known as around the world?
Typhoons and Hurricanes
What are the key characteristics of tropical storms?
Form in an area of low pressure, the rotation, their structure and their direction (west)
What is essential for a tropical storm to form?
Warm seawater temperatures, high humidit, rapid cooling, low wind shear, coriolis force and a pre-existing low pressure disturbance
What are the hazards of a tropical storm?
Storm surges, coastal flooding, landslides
What are the impacts of a tropical storm?
Destroys homes, destroys electricity cables, roads are blocked by fallen trees and debris, destroys crops and contaminates agricultural land, sewage spills
Why might an area be more vulnerable to tropical storms?
Low lying coasts, no coastline defences, no high-tech technology, low economy (poor/developing country)
What can be used to track cyclones?
Weather forecasts and satellites
