Tropical Storm hazards

Question 1

Conditions needed for tropical storm to form

Answer 1

-Sea temperatures above 27°C
-Sea depth at least 70m
-5° North/South of the equator
-Convergence of air in the lower atmosphere
-Rapid removal of air in the upper atmosphere

Question 2

How are tropical storms predicted ?

Answer 2

-Real life data gathered from satellites, ships/buoys, aerials/radars
-Data used in computer models that stimulate tropical storms
-Computer models make predictions into the future
-Climate scientists inform weather forecasters, who inform gov/public
-Evacuations/preparation/warnings

Question 3

Do tropical storms have any regularity?

Answer 3

YES
-occur in known locations
-occur at known times of the year
(North hem June-Nov, South hem Nov-April)
NO
-No trend in annual number of cyclones
-Path doesn’t follow a set route

Question 4

What is the saffir simpson scale ?

Answer 4

Measure the magnitude of tropical storms.
A 1-5 rating based only on a hurricanes maximum sustained wind speed.
5 - 157mph or higher
1- 74-95 mph

Question 5

High winds and precipitation in terms of tropical storms

Answer 5

-devastating winds and rainfall
-Topography influences wind (slows in sheltered areas, amplified over hills)
-exert a vertical pulling force, intensifies damage.
-Wind destruction arises directly or flying debris.
-Intense rainfall (200-300mm)
-Leads to flooding, landslides and mudslides

Question 6

Storm surges/Coastal flooding in terms of tropical storms

Answer 6

-A rapid rise in sea level up to 8m, wind driven waves.
-Ocean heaves upwards due to low pressure.
-Causes severe coastal erosion.
-Deadliest storm hazard

Question 7

River flooding in terms of tropical storms

Answer 7

Slower moving storms, areas of steep topography exacerbate precipitation and pre-saturated soil increase risk of river flooding.
-Danger is delayed impact due to lag time

Question 8

Landslides in terms of tropical storms

Answer 8

-Triggered by heavy rainfall
-Saturated ground loses cohesion, destabilising slopes causing them to slide under gravity
-Tropical storms can lead to widespread landslides
-They’re highly destructive, burying anything in their path.
-Can block rivers, excreting flooding
-Weaker storms cause deadly landslides

Question 9

How does climate change affect tropical storms ?

Answer 9

-Sea level rise leads to higher and more powerful storm surges
-Rainfall rates are predicted to increase (warmer atmosphere holds more water)
-Intensity will increase up to 10% for 2° of warning
-proportional of tropical storms that reach cat 4/5 will increase
-frequency is unknown