Tropical Revolving Storms Flashcards
How is magnitude measured?
- on Saffir Simpson scale (1-5)
- based on: central pressure, wind speed, storm surge, damage potential
Which direction do tropical storms tend to move in?
Westwards
What temperatures does the sea need to be?
Above 27°C
What does heavy rainfall sometimes exceed?
200-300mm
When is the National Guard in the USA called in?
To prevent homes and commercial properties from being looted
What type of pressure system are tropical storms?
Low-pressure system
Where do they develop?
In the tropics
What speed do winds often exceed?
150km/hr
What 2 conditions are needed for a tropical storm to exist?
- supply of latent heat
- moisture
What depth must the ocean be and why?
- at least 70m
- moisture provides latent heat to power the storm
How many storms develop yearly, and how many become tropical storms?
- 80-100
- 80%
What is the average lifespan of tropical storms?
7-14 days
How much does it cost in USA to evacuate a km of coastline?
$1 million per 1km
Why do tropical storms form where they do? (in relation to equator)
- centripetal force is weak near eqauator
- and centripetal force is needed to spin the storm
What is the location of where tropical storms form? (in relation to the equator)
- 5-20 degrees North or South of the equator
