hazardous earth- tropical cyclones

• where are tropical cyclones formed

  in areas where water temperatures are above 26.5℃ in summer and late autumn in the tropics between 5˚ and 30˚
• what areas are tropical cyclones formed?

  Areas of permanently low pressure areas, in the atmospheric circulation cell at the equator- Hadley cell
• what are the key factors in their tropical cyclone formation?

  1.)warm sea temperatures, 2.) high humidity, 3.)rapid cooling, 4.)low wind shears-wind blowing in the same direction, 5.)Coriolis effect gives cyclone spin, 6.)existing low-pressure
• what are the key characteristics of tropical cyclone formations?

  In an area of low pressure, very warm, moist air rises through the atmosphere sucking more air behind it. This forms a canopy covering the cyclone.
• what are tropical cyclones powered by?

  They are powered by heat energy that is released when warm, moist air condenses. the warmer the water, the more intense the tropical cyclone would be.
• What impacts do tropical cyclones have on people and the environment?

  1. high winds- damages infrastructure, causes injury
  2. intense rainfall- leads to floods
  3. storm surges- contaminate freshwater and farmland
  4. coastal flooding

  5. landslides
• how are countries socially vulnerable, when dealing with tropical cyclones?

  areas where poverty leads have poor construction of housing which is more easily damaged than other areas. poorer areas are less likely to have access to shelter, food, clean water and medical care.
• how are countries physically vulnerable, when dealing with tropical cyclones?

  low lying island nations and coastal locations have a higher risk of high winds and storm surges whereas areas of high relief are more susceptible to landslides.
• how are countries economically vulnerable, when dealing with tropical cyclones?

  developed (HIC) countries are less vulnerable to tropical cyclones due to evacuation procedures, coastal defences, and accurate weather predictions.
• give the information of USA's Hurricane Katrina


  1800 deaths, 6m storm surges, category 3, 29th August 2005, New Orleans.

  preparation was very good with forecasting and tracking, 80% were able to evacuate but many struggled due to the lack of transport.

  Storm surges caused flooding over 80% of the city. The response was weak, poorest regions were hit the hardest.
• Give the information of Philippines' Typhoon Haiyan

  2-7 November 2013, category 5, 5m storm surges, 7000 deaths,

  Japan assisted with the preparation and tracking of the typhoon. people who were at risk of flooding and landslides were evacuated to safer areas.

  Evacuation from badly hit areas was difficult without electricity so could only be done during the day, and these delays caused panic.