Tropical Storms Flashcards
What are tropical storms?
Tropical storms are huge storms that develop over warm oceans, when sea temperatures are highest.
Where do most tropical storms form?
5-15*C North and South of the Equator.
Why does heat help tropical storms form?
The heat makes the air unstable and rise rapidly, and draws water vapour up to form the tropical storm.
What happens as the vapour rises?
The vapour cools and condenses to form thunderstorm cools. It releases heat which powers the storm and draws up more vapour.
When does the storm officially become a tropical storm?
When the thunderstorms condense into one giant storm that has an average surface wind speed of 120 km per hour.
What develops next at the centre of the storm?
Where air descends rapidly and eye is form. The eye is a safe spot within the storm.
What happens when the storm reaches the land?
When the storm reaches land it is cut off from the ocean, which is its power source. It’s slowed by friction, but may regain strength if it connects back with warm seas.
