Tropical Storms

Question 1

Explain the causes of tropical storms

Answer 1

• Heat from the sun warms the temperature of the ocean to 27C. This causes warm air above the ocean to rise rapidly and this creates very low air pressure
• Cooler air from surrounding areas moves into the low pressure areas. This new air becomes warm and moist, adding fuel to the system
• As warm air rises, it cools and condenses to form huge cumulonimbus clouds
• The air rises quickly and more warm moist air is pulled upwards generating strong winds
• The whole system of clouds and wind spins and grows, fueled by the oceans heat and water evaporating from the surface
• The rising warm air spirals due to the rotation of the earth om its axis, known as the Coriolis effect
• As the storm system rotates faster and faster and eye forms in the middle
• The cumulonimbus clouds surround the eye, creating an eye wall
• As air is descending in the eye of the storm there is no rainfall and wind speeds are low.

Question 2

Explain the effects of a tropical storm you have studied on people

Answer 2

• HURRICANE SANDY
• 233 people killed
• Flights cancelled
• Electricity and phone lines cut off for 4 days
• Businesses and schools closed
• People stranded due to flooding
• Transport services suspended

Question 3

Explain the effects of a tropical storm you have studied on the landscape

Answer 3

• HURRICANE SANDY
• Farmland and crops washed away
• Roads damaged due to immense rainfall
• Bridges collapsed
• Flooding caused sewer systems to overflow
• Extensive flooding
• Destroyed buildings had to be removed and rebuilt
• Fish killed because of silting
• Sensitive ecosystems and habitats lost

Question 4

Explain management strategies for a tropical storm you have studied

Answer 4

• HURRICANE SANDY
• Satellites show the location of tropical storms
• Evacuation plans are put in place and rehearsed
• Air travel is suspended
• Storm updates broadcast on TV
• National Guard and US Air Force involved in rescue efforts
• Media clips made and publicized about what to do before, during
  and after a tropical storm by the red cross
• Storm shelters built because they can withstand strong winds