Challenges of Natural Hazards KO 2

Question 1

What is Atmospheric circulation

Answer 1

Atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air by which heat is distributed on the surface of the Earth

Question 2

Hadley cell

Answer 2

Largest cell which extends from the Equator to between 30° to 40° north & south

Question 3

Ferrel cell

Answer 3

Middle cell where air flows poleward between 60° & 70° latitude

Question 4

Polar cell

Answer 4

Smallest & weakest cell that occurs from the poles to the Ferrel cell

Question 5

Low pressure

Answer 5

Caused by hot air rising. Causes stormy, cloudy weather

Question 6

High pressure

Answer 6

Caused by cold air sinking. Causes clear and calm weather

Question 7

Formation of tropical storms
(pt.1)

Answer 7

The sun’s rays heats large areas of ocean in the summer and autumn. This causes warm, moist air to rise over the particular spots
Once the temperature is 27⁰, the rising warm moist air leads to a low pressure. This eventually turns into a thunderstorm. This causes air to be sucked in from the trade winds

Question 8

Formation of tropical storms
(pt.2)

Answer 8

With trade winds blowing in the opposite direction and the rotation of earth involved (Coriolis effect), the thunderstorm will eventually start to spin
When the storm begins to spin faster than 74mph, a tropical storm (such as a hurricane) is officially born

Question 9

Formation of tropical storms (pt.3)

Answer 9

With the tropical storm growing in power, more cool air sinks in the centre of the storm, creating calm, clear condition called the eye of the storm
When the tropical storm hits land, it loses its energy source (the warm ocean) and it begins to lose strength. Eventually it will ‘blow itself out

Question 10

Changing pattern of tropical storms

Answer 10

Scientist believe that global warming is having an impact on the frequency and strength of tropical storms. This may be due to an increase in ocean temperatures

Question 11

Management of Tropical Storms : Protection

Answer 11

Preparing for a tropical storm may involve construction projects that will improve protection

Question 12

Management of Tropical Storms : Aid

Answer 12

Aid involves assisting after the storm, commonly in LIDs

Question 13

Management of Tropical Storms : Development

Answer 13

The scale of the impacts depends on the whether the country has the resources cope with the storm

Question 14

Management of tropical storms : Planning

Answer 14

Involves getting people and the emergency services ready to deal with the impacts

Question 15

Management of tropical storms : Prediction

Answer 15

Constant monitoring can help to give advanced warning of a tropical storm​

Question 16

Management of tropical storms : Education

Answer 16

Teaching people about what to do in a tropical storm

Question 17

Causes of the 2003 UK Heat Wave

Answer 17

The heat wave was caused by an anticyclone (areas of high pressure) that stayed in the area for most of August. This blocked any low pressure systems that normally brings cooler and rainier conditions

Question 18

Effects of the 2003 UK Heat Wave

Answer 18

People suffered from heat strokes and dehydration. ​

2000 people died from causes linked to heatwave. ​

Rail network disrupted and crop yields were low. ​

Question 19

Management of the 2003 UK Heat Wave

Answer 19

The NHS and media gave guidance to the public.​

Limitations placed on water use (hose pipe ban). ​

Speed limits imposed on trains and government created ‘heatwave plan’

Question 20

What is climate change

Answer 20

Climate change is a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet’s weather patterns or average temperatures. Earth has had tropical climates and ice ages many times in its 4.5 billion years

Question 21

Evidence for Climate change : Global temperature

Answer 21

Average global temperatures have increased by more than 0.6°C since 1950.

Question 22

Evidence for Climate change : Ice sheets & Glaciers

Answer 22

Many of the world’s glaciers and ice sheets are melting. E.g. the Arctic sea ice has declined by 10% in 30 years

Question 23

Evidence for Climate change : Sea level & change

Answer 23

Average global sea level has risen by 10-20cms in the past 100 years. This is due to the additional water from ice and thermal expansion

Question 24

Enhanced greenhouse effect

Answer 24

Recently there has been an increase in humans burning fossil fuels for energy. These fuels (gas, coal and oil) emit greenhouse gases. This is making the Earth’s atmosphere thicker, therefore trapping more solar radiation and causing less to be reflected. As a result, the Earth is becoming warmer

Question 25

Evidence of natural change : Orbital changes

Answer 25

Some argue that climate change is linked to how the Earth orbits the Sun, and the way it wobbles and tilts as it does it

Question 26

Evidence of natural change : Sun spots

Answer 26

Dark spots on the Sun are called Sun spots. They increase the amount of energy Earth receives from the Sun

Question 27

Evidence of natural change : Volcanic eruptions

Answer 27

Volcanoes release large amounts of dust containing gases. These can block sunlight and results in cooler temperatures

Question 28

Managing climate change : Carbon Capture

Answer 28

This involves new technology designed to reduce climate change

Question 29

Managing climate change : Carbon Capture

Answer 29

This involves new technology designed to reduce climate change

Question 30

Managing climate change : Planting Trees

Answer 30

Planting trees increase the amount of carbon is absorbed from atmosphere

Question 31

Managing climate change : International Agreements

Answer 31

Countries aim to cut emissions by signing international deals and by setting targets

Question 32

Managing climate change : Renewable Energy

Answer 32

Replacing fossil fuels based energy with clean/natural sources of energy

Question 33

Primary Effects of Tropical Storms

Answer 33

The intense winds of tropical storms can destroy whole communities, buildings and communication networks. ​ As well as their own destructive energy, the winds can generate abnormally high waves called storm surges.​ Sometimes the most destructive elements of a storm are these subsequent high seas and flooding they cause to coastal areas

Question 34

Secondary Effects of Tropical Storms

Answer 34

People are left homeless, which can cause distress, poverty and ill health due to lack of shelter. ​ Shortage of clean water and lack of proper sanitation makes it easier for diseases to spread. ​ Businesses are damaged or destroyed causing employment. ​ Shortage of food as crops are damaged

Question 35

Causes of Typhoon Haiyan

Answer 35

Started as a tropical depression on 2rd November 2013 and gained strength. Became a Category 5 “super typhoon” and made landfall on the Pacific islands of the Philippines

Question 36

Effects of Typhoon Haiyan

Answer 36

Almost 6,500 deaths.​ 130,000 homes destroyed.​ Water and sewage systems destroyed had caused diseases.​ Emotional grief for dead.

Question 37

Management / Responses to Typhoon Haiyan

Answer 37

The UN raised £190m in aid.​ USA & UK sent helicopter carrier ships deliver aid remote areas.​ Education on typhoon preparedness