Weather Hazards Flashcards
(6 cards)
Explain global atmospheric circulation
1) Warm air rises at the equator
2) Air cools and sinks at around 30° north and south
3) Air flows back towards the equator
4) This movement creates three main circulation cells in each hemisphere: Hadley cells (near the equator), Ferrel cells (mid-latitudes), and Polar cells (near the poles).
How are tropical storms distributed?
Over warm tropical oceans. Between 5° and 30° north and south of the equator
How are tropical storms formed? (4)
1) warm air rises from the ocean. As the warm air rises it leaves a space below it. This space is instantly filled by surrounding air rushing in,causing strong winds
2) rising air brings with it moisture. This cools and forms the eye wall
3) when the cooled air descends,it will form an area of calm in the centre called the eye
4) the spin of the earth makes the storm spin
What is the structure of a tropical storm and their associated features
Eye- The calm, clear center of the storm where air sinks
eyewall- A ring of towering cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms surrounding the eye. It’s where the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall are concentrated
rain bands- Spiral bands of clouds and thunderstorms that extend outward from the eyewall. They can produce heavy rain, wind, and even tornadoes
What are the causes and impacts of typhoon Haiyan
The low-pressure system brought a powerful storm surge, rising 5 meters high and inundating coastal areas, Intense rainfall (400mm) led to widespread flooding and landslides, further exacerbating the damage.
6300 people were killed,90% of the city was destroyed,millions were homeless, the damage was around $12billion
How can countries reduce the effects of tropical storms (typhoon haiyan’s responses) 3Ps
Prediction-forecasting and warning systems
Protection-reinforce buildings,coastal defences,storm shelters,flood management
Planning-evacuation plan,emergency response,international cooperation
