Tropical Storms

• What type of weather systems are tropical storms?

  Low pressure weather systems
• What does low pressure mean in the context of tropical storms?

  It means warm air rises
• What are the different names for hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones based on their location?

  Hurricanes in the northeast Pacific and north Atlantic, typhoons in the northwest Pacific, and cyclones in the south Pacific and Indian Ocean
• What are the three conditions needed for a tropical storm to form?

  1. Must be between 5 and 30 degrees north and south of the equator
  2. Sea temperatures must be at a minimum of 27 degrees Celsius
  3. Wind shear must be low
• Why must sea temperatures be at least 27 degrees Celsius for tropical storms to form?

  Because heat fuels the storm
• What happens to warm surface water during the development of a tropical storm?

  It evaporates, rises, and condenses into clouds
• What is the role of the Coriolis force in tropical storms?

  It causes winds to move in specific directions due to the Earth's tilt and axis
• When do tropical storms lose strength?

  When they move over land or cool water
• What are the features and structures of a tropical storm?

  • Eye: Up to 50 kilometers across, low pressure, light winds, no clouds, no rain, high temperature
  • Eye wall: Spiraling rising air, very strong winds, storm clouds, torrential rain
  • Outer skirts: Falling wind speeds, smaller and more scattered clouds, less intensive rain
• What is the temperature of the ocean that allows for tropical storm formation?

  27 degrees Celsius or higher
• How might climate change affect the frequency, distribution, and intensity of tropical storms?

  • Frequency: Oceans remain at 27 degrees Celsius or higher for longer
  • Distribution: More oceans could be above 27 degrees Celsius, leading to storms in new areas
  • Intensity: Higher sea surface temperatures increase evaporation and energy release, making storms more powerful
• What are the three ways to reduce the effects of tropical storms?

  1. Prediction and monitoring
  2. Planning
  3. Protection
• How can storms be predicted and monitored?

  Using radar and satellites
• What planning measures can be taken to reduce the impact of tropical storms?

  Avoiding future developments in low-lying coastal areas and planning evacuation routes
• What type of buildings can help protect against tropical storms?

  Buildings designed to withstand storms, such as those on stilts
• What is the purpose of flood defenses along rivers?

  To protect against flooding from tropical storms