Tropical storms

Question 1

What are the conditions needed for a tropical storm ?

Answer 1

Sea temps above 27 degrees, Ocean at least 70 metres deep, At least 5 degrees north or south of equator, Convergence of air in the lower atmosphere, Rapid removal of air in the upper atmosphere

Question 2

What is the distribution of tropical storms ?

Answer 2

Between 5° and 30° latitude in both hemispheres, Indian Pacific and North Atlantic ocean, Hurricanes account for 35% of all storms, Cyclones 15%, Typhoons 31%

Question 3

Arguments for and against that tropical storms have regularity ?

Answer 3

Occur in known times of the year, Northern hemisphere 90% of all storms occur in June-Nov.

No trend in annual number of tropical storms.

Question 4

What is the measurement of tropical storms called ?

Answer 4

Saffir-Simpson scale which measures based solely upon wind speed.

Question 5

What are the predictions of climate change on tropical storms ?

Answer 5

An increase of 2-11% of average intensity, Decrease of between 6-34% in total number of tropical storms, A substantial increase in the frequency of the most intense storms, Powerful and higher storm surges, Storm rainfall rates increase

Question 6

What are the reasons for greater intensity but less frequent storms ?

Answer 6

Air temperature above warmer water which results in enhanced uplift which lowers atmospheric pressure and ocean evaporation increasing with atmospheric water content.

Sea surface temperatures going up, providing more energy for storms as it is able to draw more energy from warmer water.

Question 7

Major effects of tropical storms ?

Answer 7

Winds - can cause structural damage, fling around huge debris
Heavy rainfall - can cause severe flooding, landslides and mudslides
Storm surges - high sea levels result when the wind driven waves pile up and the ocean heaves upwards as a result of low atmospheric pressure.