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GCSE Geography > Extreme Weather > Flashcards

Extreme Weather Flashcards

(46 cards)

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1
Q

What are tropical cyclones?

A

Rotating, intense low-pressure systems (below 950mb) lasting 7-14 days with heavy rainfall and high wind speeds (over 119 km/h).

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2
Q

What is the Saffir-Simpson scale used for?

A

Rating tropical cyclones based on wind speeds.

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3
Q

What characterizes the eye of a tropical cyclone?

A

A calm central area with descending cold air, low pressure, light winds, and no clouds or rain.

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4
Q

What is the diameter range of tropical cyclones?

A

100-1000 km.

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5
Q

How long do tropical cyclones typically last?

A

7-14 days.

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6
Q

What are the strongest winds found in a tropical cyclone?

A

Within the eyewall.

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7
Q

What happens to a tropical cyclone when it makes landfall?

A

It loses speed and temperature, resulting in decreased rainfall and winds.

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8
Q

What are the three different names for tropical cyclones based on location?

A
  • Typhoons in the South China Sea and west Pacific Ocean
  • Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the west coast of Mexico
  • Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean.
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9
Q

What conditions are required for tropical cyclone formation?

A

Warm, moist air, low pressure, and the Coriolis effect.

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10
Q

When do tropical cyclones mostly occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

A

June to November.

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11
Q

When do tropical cyclones mostly occur in the Southern Hemisphere?

A

November to April.

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12
Q

What is the average number of tropical storms produced annually?

A

Around 80 storms.

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13
Q

What is the relationship between tropical storms and global warming?

A

Tropical storms are becoming more intense and frequent due to rising global temperatures.

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14
Q

What are primary effects of tropical cyclones?

A
  • Buildings and bridges destroyed
  • Roads, railways, ports, and airports damaged
  • Electricity lines damaged/destroyed
  • Gas lines broken
  • Sewage overflows
  • Rivers and coastal areas flooded.
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15
Q

What are secondary effects of tropical cyclones?

A
  • People are homeless
  • Blocked roads prevent rescue efforts
  • Life support systems left without power
  • Risk of fires and explosions from gas lines
  • Contaminated water supplies leading to diseases.
  • Economic impact due to destroyed businesses.
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16
Q

What makes some countries more vulnerable to tropical cyclones?

A
  • Low-lying coastlines
  • Low levels of development
  • High frequency of storms
  • Lack of education and emergency planning.
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17
Q

What are the 4 P’s used to manage tropical cyclones?

A
  • Prediction
  • Preparation
  • Protection
  • Planning.
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18
Q

What is the aim of predicting tropical cyclones?

A

To give warnings so actions can be taken to reduce the impact.

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19
Q

What methods are used to protect people from tropical cyclones?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Design buildings with secure roofs
  • Raise buildings on stilts
  • Build levees or sea walls.
20
Q

Fill in the blank: Tropical cyclones can travel about ______ miles a day.

21
Q

What causes a tropical cyclone to dissipate?

Study These Flashcards
A

Loss of energy from warm waters or moisture.

22
Q

What is the Coriolis effect’s role in tropical cyclone formation?

Study These Flashcards
A

It causes the rising air to spiral around the center of the storm.

23
Q

True or False: The spin of a tropical cyclone is clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

24
Q

What is the impact of steep slopes on tropical cyclones?

Study These Flashcards
A

Increased risk of landslides.

25
What is the ITCZ?
Intertropical Convergence Zone, where intense low-pressure conditions generate thunderstorms and strong winds.
26
What is the purpose of a survival kit?
To help those who are trapped survive while waiting for help ## Footnote A survival kit may include items like a first aid kit and bottled water.
27
How can people increase their chances of surviving during a disaster?
By knowing how to react and evacuate safely
28
What is one way to help people in a developing country cope with a tropical cyclone?
Predict and monitor the storm to give warnings for evacuation ## Footnote This allows time for people to evacuate the most at-risk areas.
29
What are the two main risks coastal areas face from hurricanes?
* Sea level rise * Clearance of natural defences for development and agriculture
30
What is the National Hurricane Center's role?
To issue forecasts and warnings for hurricanes
31
Which city in Florida is considered the most vulnerable to hurricanes?
Miami
32
What are hazard maps used for?
To identify areas most at risk for hurricanes
33
What are two immediate responses to a hurricane?
* Evacuation of people from at-risk zones * Search and rescue for missing individuals
34
What catastrophic event occurred on August 23, 2005?
Hurricane Katrina made landfall near New Orleans
35
What was the estimated damage cost of Hurricane Katrina?
Up to US$145 billion
36
What were some criticisms of the government response during Hurricane Katrina?
* Delays in rescue operations * Delays in providing food and clean water
37
What is PAGASA?
The Philippines meteorological service that issues weather forecasts and warnings
38
What is a significant feature of Typhoon Haiyan?
It was one of the strongest ever-recorded tropical storms
39
What did the 'Build Back Better' scheme aim to achieve?
To rebuild houses to be more resistant to future storms
40
Fill in the blank: The tropical cyclone season in the Philippines lasts from _______ to _______.
[June] to [September]
41
What does effective communication of warnings involve in the Philippines?
Working with translators to ensure warnings reach everyone
42
What are two long-term responses to Typhoon Haiyan?
* Rebuilding homes to be storm-resistant * Addressing issues of aid distribution
43
True or False: The National Hurricane Centre runs a National Hurricane Preparedness Week each year.
True
44
What does the evacuation planning in Florida include?
Clearly signposted evacuation routes
45
What was a major consequence of the levees breaching during Hurricane Katrina?
80% of New Orleans was underwater
46
What was one of the main causes of increased storm surges in coastal areas?
Sea level rise

GCSE Geography (12 decks)

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