Tropical Storms

Question 1

What is a tropical storm

Answer 1

A tropical storm is a rotating spiral of high winds and low pressure

Question 2

Regularity of tropical storms

Answer 2

Tropical storms are more regular and frequent during the summer months due to high temperatures that make the oceans warm enough.

Question 3

Formation of a hurricane

Answer 3

1 - begin as thunderstorms
2 - warm air and warm ocean combine and start to rise to create low pressure
3 - trade winds at the equator cause the storm to spin due to the earths rotation
4 - air continues to rise and pressure decreases at higher altitude
5 - air rises and more warm air drawn in
6 - as storm moves over ocean it picks up more warm air and speed increases
7 - storm becomes a hurricane when there are sustained winds over 73mph this can take hours or days
8 - eye has calm conditions surrounded by eye wall with spinning vortex of high winds and heavy rain

Question 4

Primary and secondary impacts

Answer 4

Primary - strong winds, storm surge, heavy rain, coastal flooding
Secondary - landslides, river flooding

Question 5

Responses to tropical storms

Answer 5

• wealthier countries have better responses
• preparation - fewer fatalities and early warning systems
• population - dense populations make it difficult
• aid is a critical factor
• technology improves response