Tropical Cyclones Flashcards
What is a tropical cyclone?
An intense circular storm that originated over warm tropical oceans and is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds and heavy rain.
What are effects of tropical cyclones? (8)
Homes Power lines Trees Water systems Erosion Flooding Infrastructure Vegetation (farming)
How do tropical cyclones form?(5)
- Warm moist tropical air moves over the ocean
- Water vapor rises into the atmosphere
- As the water vapor rises, it cools and condensed into liquid droplets. Heat is also given off, latent heat=fuel source
- Condensation releases latent heat into the atmosphere making the air lighter
- The warmed air continues to rise with moist air from the ocean taking its place creating more wind.
What is a storm surge?
It is an abnormal ride of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides.
What is the difference between storm surge and storm tide?
Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides whereas a storm ride is the water level rise due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide.
What effects the effects of a storm surge?(3)
Intensity, forward speed and size of the storm.
Category 1 wind speeds
64-82 knots
Category 2
83-95 knots
Category 3
96-112 knots
Category 4
113-136 knots
Category 5
137 knots
Why are storms named?
So they can identified and tracked as they move over oceans
One name is used except ….
Q
U
Z
Atlantic Ocean hurricanes the name be….
Spanish
French
English
When does a name get retired?
If a particular storm is deadly or costly
