Weather Hazards (P1- SEC A)

Question 1

Where is energy moved from and how?

Answer 1

From areas of surplus to areas of deficit.
By : wind ,
Ocean currents

Question 2

What is a tropical storm?

Answer 2

A huge storm that develops in the tropics.

Question 3

What are the conditions tropical storms form under? (5)

Answer 3

• form over warm oceans (27C or above - 60-70 m deep)
• form in summer and autumn when sea temps are highest
• most form 5-30 degrees north and south of equator - Coriolis effect
• in tropical regions intense heat makes air UNSTABLE causing rapid rise - UNSTABLE conditions are important for formation of tropical storms

Question 4

How do tropical storms form?

Answer 4

1. Air is heated on surface of tropical oceans. Warm air rises rapidly under low-pressure conditions
2. Rising air draws up more air/ moisture from ocean, causing strong winds
3. The Coriolis Effect causes air to spin upwards around a calm central EYE
4. As air rises, it cools and condenses forming large/towering cumulonimbus clouds - generate torrential rain
   Heat given off when air cools POWERS tropical storms
5. Cold air SINKS in eye - no cloud /drier/ calmer
6. Tropical storm travels across ocean in prevailing winds - always from east to west
7. When tropical storm meets land , no longer fuelled by moisture and heat - loses power and weakens

Question 5

How might climate change affect tropical storms?(3)

Answer 5

INTENSITY- change in climate could increase intensity
FREQUENCY- increase
DISTRUBUTION - increase

Question 6

Key features of tropical storm.

Answer 6

EYE- central low pressure zone - calm
EYE WALL- strongest winds and torrential winds

Question 7

What is the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Answer 7

A 1-5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed at the time.
- can be used to indicate potential damage/flooding.

Question 8

Typhoon Haiyan : Primary effects, Secondary effects

Answer 8

PE : - power interrupted
- 90% Tacloban destroyed - including airport (affects tourism/business)
- $5.8 billion cost

SE : - 800,000l oil leak - contaminated 10 hectares of mangroves
- 8 deaths in stampede
- shortage of food, water lead to disease outbreak
- roads blocked

Question 9

Facts about Typhoon Haiyan - when, where

Answer 9

• In Nov 2013 - category 5 storm
• hit the PHILIPPINES
• winds up to 170km/h

Question 10

Typhoon Haiyan : immediate responses, long-term responses

Answer 10

IR: - international government responded quick with food, water and aid
- over 1200 evacuation centres set up
- search/rescue

LR: - rebuilt roads/bridges and airport
- rice farming and fishing quickly established
- more cyclone shelters built to accommodate ppl evacuated from coastal areas

Question 11

Describe 3 ways in which people can be protected against storms. (3)

Answer 11

• windows, doors, roofs reinforced to strengthen buildings to withstand strong winds
• houses close to coast constructed on stilts so storm surge will pass beneath
• cyclone shelters built

Question 12

What is the Coriolis effect?

Answer 12

the deflection, or bending of the wind due to the rotational spin of the earth