Week 10 - Atmospheric Tropical Storms Flashcards
Tropical cyclones are classified into four types based on what?
Their wind speeds
(Slide 08)
What are the four categories of tropical cyclones and their sustained windspeeds?
- Tropical Depression 38 mph/61 kph
- Tropical Storm 39 mph- 73 mph/ 62 kph -117 kph
- Hurricane 74 mph - 110 mph/ 118 kph - 177 kph
- Major Hurricane >110 mph / >177 kph
(Slide 08)
Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using what scale?
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
(Slide 10)
What are the definition and effects of each category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?
CAT 1 - Winds 74-95 mph (119-153 km/hr). Very dangerous winds will produce some damage
CAT 2 - Winds 96-110 mph (154 -177 km/hr). Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
CAT 3 - Winds 111 -129 mph (178-208 km/hr) Devastating damage will occur
CAT 4 - Winds 130-156 mph (209-251 km/hr). Catastrophic damage will occur.
CAT 5 - Winds 157+ mph (252+ km/hr). Catastrophic damage will occur.
(Slide 11)
Fill in the blanks:
“Hurricanes do not form within _ degrees North or South of the equator because the ________ effect is too weak to _______ surface winds.”
5, Coriolis, deflect
(Slide 15)
During the decline stage of the hurricane lifecycle, what can lead to it weakening? (2)
- Moving over cooler water.
- Moving into drier areas.
(Slide 18)
Fill in the blanks:
“Landfall typically shuts off the main ________ source, and the surface __________ can be reduced by ________ when it passes over land. “
Moisture, Circulation, Friction
(Slide 18)
As a general rule of thumb, what is the most dangerous part of the hurricane/storm?
It’s right front side, relative to the direction it is travelling.
(Slide 21)
When is the official hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin (The Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico)?
June 1st to November 30th.
(Slide 26)
When is the peak season for hurricanes?
Mid-August to Late October.
(Slide 26)
