Weather hazards

Question 1

How are tropical storms formed?

Answer 1

1. Large movement of air brings up water vapour from the ocean surface
2. Evaporated air cools and condenses to form thunderstorm clouds
3. As air condenses it releases heat which gives power to the storm and brings up more water from the ocean
4. Many thunderstorms clouds form and join to create one big thunderstorm
5. When the wind reaches an average of 120km/h it becomes a tropical storm
6. Storm from an eye, where air descends rapidly. The eyewall is where most intense weather conditions are.
7. As it moves across the ocean it gathers strength
8. When it reaches land its energy supply has been cut off. It begins to slow down and weaken due to the friction of land.

Question 2

How are areas of HIGH pressure-formed?

Answer 2

Air sinks towards the ground creating areas of high pressure, winds on the ground move outwards from these areas.

Question 3

How are areas of LOW pressure-formed?

Answer 3

Air rises from the ground creating areas of low pressure, winds on the ground move towards these areas.

Question 4

Where do tropical storms form?

Answer 4

They form about 5-15 degrees north and south of the equator. The form over warm oceans above 27 degrees.

Question 5

What is the EYE of a tropical storm?

Answer 5

Cold air sinks towards the ground and warms up here. There are no clouds here and there are calm conditions.

Question 6

What is the EYE WALL of a tropical storm?

Answer 6

Found on either side of the eye. Here there are strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and thunder.

Question 7

What happens BEYOND THE EYE WALL of a tropical storm?

Answer 7

There are further banks of cloud with thunderstorms and sometimes tornadoes. There will also be heavy rain and strong winds.