1.3.2 Tropical Storms Flashcards
In which regions are Tropical Storms called ‘Typhoons’?
South China Sea, West Pacific Ocean
In which regions are Tropical Storms called , ‘Hurricanes’?
Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea & West coast of Mexico
In which regions are Tropical Storms called ‘Cyclones’?
Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and northern Australia
What are Tropical Storms?
Tropical storms are rotating, intense low-pressure systems (below 950mb)
Between what latitudes do tropical storms typically develop?
Between 5 degrees and 30 degrees north and south of the equator
Tropical storms and global circulation are related to what 3 factors?
Hadley cell, Coriolis effect, and Equatorial trade winds
What is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
Warm, moist air rises, leading to an intense low-pressure zone between the two Hadley cells.
What is the Coriolis effect?
The Coriolis effect causes the air to spin anti-clockwise (anticyclone) in the northern hemisphere and clockwise (cyclone) in the southern hemisphere
What temperature does the sea need to be to form tropical storms?
27°C and above
What is the ‘eye of the storm’?
A calm, dry area at the center, with cold air sinking
How long do tropical storms last ?
7-14 days on average
What are the characteristics of a tropical storm?
Heavy rainfall, high wind speeds (over 119 kmph), high waves, and storm surges
Tropical storm diameters can vary by how much?
100-1000 km
The strongest and most destructive winds are found where?
Within the eyewall
Tropical storms are rated on which scale?
5-point Saffir-Simpson scale based on wind speeds
