Tropical Cyclones - Sheet1

Question 1

Tropical cyclone

Answer 1

low pressure system in the tropics; a generic term for a non-frontal synoptic scale low-pressure system over tropical or sub-tropical waters with organized convection (i.e. thunderstorm activity) and definite cyclonic surface wind circulation

Question 2

Hurricane

Answer 2

maximum sustained wind speeds must reach at least 74 miles per hour; called a typhoon in the NW Pacific

Question 3

Eye

Answer 3

clear and calm center, light winds, 20-50 km diameter; smaller eyes ~ more intense hurricane

Question 4

Eye wall

Answer 4

surround the eye, strongest winds, worst weather

Question 5

Spiral rain bands

Answer 5

lines of strong storms that can extend far from the eye

Question 6

Warm core system

Answer 6

intense latent heating in the eyewall raises pressure alogt causing downward motion in the eye

Question 7

Swell

Answer 7

big waves ahead of the storm

Question 8

Storm surge

Answer 8

piling up of water on front side of storm; right-front quadrant most affected; RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST DEATHS