Tropical storms - nature/distribution Flashcards
What is a tropical storm?
an intense low-pressure weather system that develops in tropical areas
How big do they measure in diameter?
200-700 km
Where do they begin from?
an area of low pressure
What is the critical oceanic temperature needed for the storm?
27 degrees - this provides it with a continuous source of heat
What is the ocean depth needed?
70 metres - moisture provides latent heat
What is the location needed?
5 degrees north of south of the equator, so the coriolis force can bring about maximum rotation of the air
Low level of what needed?
convergence in the air in lower atmospheric circulation system
Width of the central eye of storm?
10-15 km in diameter
Conditions of eye of storm?
- clear skies
- high temps
- descending air
When generated what way do they tend to move?
westwards
Where are they most destructive?
- Caribbean/Mexico (hurricanes)
- West of Central America
- Bay of Bengal (cyclones)
- South East Asia (typhoons)
- North East Australia (willy-willies)
What are they measured on?
the saffir-simpson scale - 5 point scale
What is the avg life span of the storm?
7-14 days
