Weather hazards

• What ocean water temperature is needed for storm formation?

  278°C or higher
• What atmospheric condition is necessary for storm formation?

  Low atmospheric pressure
• What are the steps in storm formation?

  1. Air heated above oceans.
  2. Warm air rises under low pressure.
  3. Air condenses to form cumulonimbus clouds.
  4. Strong winds form due to Coriolis force.
  5. Low vertical wind shear prevents storm disintegration.
• What causes the Coriolis force?

  Earth's rotation
• What is the role of low vertical wind shear in storms?

  It prevents the storm from breaking apart
• What is global atmospheric circulation?

  • Transfer of heat from the equator.
  • Movement of air due to pressure differences.
  • Winds blow from high to low pressure.
• What is the eye of a storm characterized by?

  Low pressure and light winds
• What occurs in the eyewall of a storm?

  Spiraling rising air and strong winds
• How do high winds affect a storm's power?

  They can exceed 800 km/h, powering the storm
• How does climate change affect storm frequency and intensity?

  • Increased frequency of storms.
  • More areas can experience storms.
  • Higher sea temperatures lead to more evaporation.
  • More energy released results in stronger storms.
• What extreme weather event occurred in the UK in 2018?

  Heatwave with 35°C in Kent
• What was the impact of the 'Beast from the East' in 2018?

  50 cm of snow and traffic disruption
• What happened in Boscastle, Cornwall in 2004?

  Flash floods occurred
• What was the drought situation in southern and eastern England from 2010-2012?

  Received only 75% of average rainfall
• What were the main hazards of Typhoon Haiyan?

  • Winds of 314 km/h.
  • 400 mm of rainfall over days.
  • 5-meter high storm surge.
• What is the HDI of the Philippines?

  0.71
• What were the social impacts of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban?

  90% of Tacloban destroyed, 1/3 of deaths
• What economic impacts did Typhoon Haiyan have?

  30,000 fishing boats destroyed
• What environmental impact did Typhoon Haiyan cause?

  Fishing waters contaminated by oil leak
• What were the immediate responses to Typhoon Haiyan?

  1. Warnings broadcasted 2 days prior.
  2. Fishermen warned not to go to sea.
  3. State of emergency declared.
  4. Charities provided aid and sanitation.
• What were the long-term responses to Typhoon Haiyan?

  1. UN appealed for $300 million+.
  2. Oxfam donated 30,000 fishing boats.
  3. Tourism encouraged in unaffected areas.
  4. Government's 'build back better' scheme.
• What are the strategies for storm prediction and planning?

  • Monitoring storms to predict paths.
  • Planning evacuation routes.
  • Building designs to withstand storms.
  • Flood defenses to protect land.
• What extreme weather event affected the Somerset Levels in 2013-2014?

  • Three times the average rainfall.
  • Flooding due to saturated ground and high tides.
  • Human activities reduced river capacity.
• What were the social impacts of the Somerset Levels flooding?

  Over 600 homes flooded, evacuations occurred
• What were the environmental impacts of the Somerset Levels flooding?

  11,500 hectares flooded, crops destroyed
• What were the economic impacts of the Somerset Levels flooding?

  Damage cost over £80 million
• What management strategies were used to reduce flood risk in Somerset?

  1. Warning systems for preparation.
  2. Use of sandbags and flood boards.
  3. Somerset Levels and Moors Flood Action Plan.
  4. Investment in dredging and flood defenses.
• When did dredging of the River Parrett start?

  March 2014