Cyclones. Flashcards

1
Q

What are the general characteristics of tropical cyclones?

A

Tropical cyclones bring violent weather conditions and cause great destruction.

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2
Q

How do tropical cyclones affect humans?

A

Strong winds destroy houses and electricity cables, and uproot trees. Huge waves created by the strong winds, can drown coastal towns and all the people in them.

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3
Q

Where do tropical cyclones occur?

A

Tropical cyclones occur between 30° N and 30° S latitude, and on the eastern side of continents, where warm ocean currents are.

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4
Q

In which direction do they travel?

A

East to West

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5
Q

What are tropical cyclones called in different parts of the world?

A

Hurricaines - N America
Typhoon - Japan/Asia
Willy Willy - Australia

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6
Q

What are the temperature, pressure and wind conditions necessary for a tropical cyclone to occur?

A

Tropical cyclones occur hot (27c), moist air; with a formation of an intense low pressure cell; and Coriolis force.

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7
Q

What time of year do tropical cyclones occur?

A

Late summer, early autumn.

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8
Q

What is latent heat and how does it affect tropical cyclones?

A

Latent heat is ‘hidden’ heat energy that is released when water vapour condenses, which provides energy need to sustain the cylone.

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9
Q

Explain the conditions in the tropical cyclone’s eye?

A

Low pressure sucks down the air, causing calm, cloudless conditions and warm air due to the adiabatic heating (temp change due to change in height and pressure)

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10
Q

How does a tropical cyclone start and develop?

A

Gale force winds start spiralling, worst weather is in forward left-hand quadrant.

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