Tropical storms Flashcards
Where and why do tropical stormds develop?
Tropical storms develop between 5 degrees and 30 degrees north and south of the equator where:
sea temperature is 27 degrees or higher
or
wind sheer between higher and lower parts of atmosphere is low
How do tropical storms develop?
1) The warm surface water evaporates, rises and condense into clouds, releasinh huge amounts of energy, producing powerful storms Rising air creates and area of low pressure
2) Easterly winds near equator move tropical storms towards west
3) The storms spin because of coriolis effect
4) As storms move over ocean, energy from warm water strengthens the sotrm, so wind speed increases.
Storm lose strength when they move over land or cooler water because energy suplly from warm water is cut off
Features of a tropical storm
The eye is the centre of the storm, there is very low pressure, no clouds and a high temperature
The eyewall surrounds eye and there are strong winds, spiralling rising air, heavy rain and low temperature
Towards edges of storm, the wind speed fals and rain becomes less intense
Tropical storm 2013 Haiyan
Primary effects: 8000 people killed
The cost of damage was $13 million
1.9 million people were homeless
Secondary effects: 5.6 million worksers lost their jobs
LAck of clean water caused outbreak of dysentry
Immediate responses: there wasa warning before tropical haiyan made landfall, leading to evacuation of 200,000 people but some people died when evacuation centres flooded
Plan International constructed pit latrines for 100,000 people to help prevent spread of disease
Long term responses: UN appealed for over $300 million to help rebuilding and relief
Charities built storm resistant buildings
How can climate change affect tropical storms
Frequency of tropical storms will increase due to the oceans staying at 27 degrees or higher for longer
Intensity since higher sea temperatures lead to more energy for storm
Distrubution because more of worlds ocean coukd be above 27 degrees
HOw do you reduce effects of tropical storms
Prediction and monitoring- storms can be monitored using radar and satellites
PLanning- Governments can plan evacuation rouites so people can get away quickly
Protection- Flood defences can be built along rivers
