Weather hazards Flashcards
What does air sinking form
Forms areas of high pressure, e.g North pole
What does air rising form
Forms areas of low pressure, e.g at the equator.
How are winds on the ground distorted
By the rotation of the earth
Weather in the UK
UK is close to the boundary of cold polar air moving down from the north and warm sub-tropical air moving up from the south. The boundary between two air masses is unstable. Here there is rising air and low-pressure belts on the ground. Rising air cools, and condenses and forms clouds and rain. This is why it is often cloudy and wet in the UK.
Why is it hot and dry in the desert
30 degrees north and south of the equator. Here the air is sinking, making a belt of high pressure. Air isn’t rising here so few clouds form and little rainfall. The lack of clouds makes it very hot.
Why is it hot and sweaty at the equator
The air is rising, forming a low-pressure belt. Direct sunlight. Air rises cool and condenses forming rain clouds.
How warm do oceans have to be for a tropical storm to form
27 degrees
When do tropical storms form
Summer and autumn when sea temperatures are at their highest.
What is the effect of the earth rotation on tropical storms
Coriolis effect
How do tropical storms form
Warm ocean water evaporates, the air is drawn into the centre of the storm where the warm air rises cool and condenses to form clouds.
How high above sea level do tropical storms form
15-20 km
What is the eye of the storm
Where it is calm
What is the eyewall
Most destructive
How will climate change affect tropical storms
Earth will be hotter so sea temps will be.
What does climate change effect to do with tropical storms
Distribution- Tropical storms may affect areas outside the current hazard zone.
Frequency- More frequent
Intensity- Increased intensity, increased energy in the atmosphere.
