Tropical Storms

Question 1

tropical storm

Answer 1

an intense low pressure system that develops in the tropics

Question 2

global distribution of tropical storms

Answer 2

most frequent in east asia and north america, large % in australia and SE asia and bay of bengal

Question 3

conditions for tropical storms

Answer 3

ocean location, sea temp. above 27’C, ocean depth at least 70m, atmospheric instability, rotation of earth

Question 4

saffir-simpson scale

Answer 4

compare storms of different magnitudes based on sustained wind speeds, pressure at centre, storm surges and damage potential, a scale 1-5

Question 5

problems with saffir-simpson scale

Answer 5

limited value when assessing impact, doesn’t take into account rainfall and area affected

Question 6

return period

Answer 6

the frequency at which a certain intensity of hurricane can be expected within a given distance of a given location

Question 7

how to predict hurricane paths

Answer 7

once tropical storms formed, they tend to follow similar tracks but each event responds differently to oceanic and atmospheric conditions despite patterns

Question 8

do intensity of storms increase alongside increasing temperatures

Answer 8

no clear evidence to suggest and scientists believe a longer study period would be needed to see any connection

Question 9

hazards of tropical storms

Answer 9

storm surges, strong winds, heavy rainfall, landslides, coastal/river flooding

Question 10

Coriolos effect

Answer 10

The anticlockwise rotation of the Earth deflects winds to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. it causes a deflection in global wind patterns.

Question 11

impacts of storm hazards depend on

Answer 11

storm intensity, speed of movement, distance from sea, preparation of the community, warnings/response