Tropical storms

Question 1

What are the conditions needed for a tropical storm ?

Answer 1

Sea temps above 27 degrees, Ocean at least 70 metres deep, At least 5 degrees north or south of equator, Convergence of air in the lower atmosphere, Rapid removal of air in the upper atmosphere

Question 2

What is the distribution of tropical storms ?

Answer 2

Between 5° and 30° latitude in both hemispheres, Indian Pacific and North Atlantic ocean, Hurricanes account for 35% of all storms, Cyclones 15%, Typhoons 31%

Question 3

Arguments for and against that tropical storms have regularity ?

Answer 3

Occur in known times of the year, Northern hemisphere 90% of all storms occur in June-Nov.

No trend in annual number of tropical storms.

Question 4

What is the measurement of tropical storms called ?

Answer 4

Saffir-Simpson scale which measures based solely upon wind speed.

Question 5

What are the predictions of climate change on tropical storms ?

Answer 5

An increase of 2-11% of average intensity, Decrease of between 6-34% in total number of tropical storms, A substantial increase in the frequency of the most intense storms, Powerful and higher storm surges, Storm rainfall rates increase

Question 6

What are the reasons for greater intensity but less frequent storms ?

Answer 6

Air temperature above warmer water which results in enhanced uplift which lowers atmospheric pressure and ocean evaporation increasing with atmospheric water content.

Question 7

Major effects of tropical storms ?

Answer 7

Winds - can cause structural damage, fling around huge debris
Heavy rainfall - can cause severe flooding, landslides and mudslides
Storm surges - high sea levels result when the wind driven waves pile up and the ocean heaves upwards as a result of low atmospheric pressure.