tropical storms

• conditions needed for a tropical storm


  • 26 °c/27 °c warm waters
  • around 70 m deep
  • intense low pressure (warm, moist air)
  • winds generally blowing in the same direction
• the formation of a tropical storm

  1. rising air causes water to evaporate over a warm ocean surface
  2. thunderstorms develop as evaporated air cools and condenses, releasing heat which powers the storm - resulting in more evaporation
  3. more thunderstorms join together into a larger storm (which spins due to the rotation of the earth)
  4. cooler air descends resulting in the development of an eye
  5. the storm continues to gain strength as it moves over warm ocean surfaces
  6. upon reaching land, tropical storms weaken as they get cut off from their energy source and the land slows winds down
• eyewall


  • outer edge of the eye
  • most intense part of a storm
• typhoons

  • tropical storm
  • season: between june and december
  • occurrence: japan, china and the philippines (the western pacific ccean)
• cyclones

  • tropical storm
  • season: between january and march
  • occurrence: india and bangladesh (south east asia)
• hurricanes

  • tropical storm
  • season: between august and october
  • occurrence: caribbean and southern america (the atlantic and eastern pacific oceans)
• climate change and tropical storms

  • climate change is heating up the world's oceans and causing sea levels to rise, affecting the frequency, intensity and distribution of tropical storms
  • frequency - remain the same
  • intensity - more storms will be classed as severe (category 5)
  • distribution - tropical storms will be able to develop in areas further N or S of the equator
  • season - last for a longer time (earlier or later then previously)
  • more likely cause damage to: low lying areas (storm surges) and people living near coasts
• tropical storms

  • areas of intense or very low air pressure
  • form in tropical regions and occur during the summer and autumn months when sea temperature is highest
  • measured (by intensity) with the saffir simpson scale
  • occur between tropics (5° - 20° N and S) and not on the equator because the spin from the earths rotation isn't strong enough (coriolis effect)
  • tend to move in a westerly direction

  
• climate change and tropical storms

  • not everyone agrees that there will be an increase in tropical storm distribution and frequency
  • natural cycle - there are times when the number of storms are above and below average
  • climate models - although the intensity may increase, the frequency will remain the same or decrease
  • inaccurate data - we might not have accurate records going back long enough
  • more people living near coastal areas - more to do with homes and property being damaged, rather than more powerful tropical storms
• cone of uncertainty


  the area defined by forecasters where a tropical storm may cause damage

  
• reducing the effects of tropical storms - protection

  • sea walls - protect properties
  • large storm drains - prevents flooding
  • board windows - prevents flying debris from smashing windows and letting water in
  • windproof tiles - won't be ripped by strong winds
  • buildings can be constructed from reinforced concrete or built on stilts to protect against winds and flooding
  • wash out walls - ground floor walls that allows water to pass through without washing away the entire building (HICs)
• reducing the effects of tropical storms - prediction and planning


  • prediction - scientists use technology to predict when are where a storm is likely to occur (hurricane warnings give people advice on the necessary actions to take)
  • planning - disaster kits can be provided to high risk areas and evacuation routes can help to get people away from danger
• reducing the effects of tropical storms - protection (bangladesh cyclone shelters) *LIC


  • shelter can be used as a community/medical centre or school
  • bicycles can give warnings to people living in remote areas
  • built on raised grounds and stilts - ground floor doesn't get flooded and the shelter isn't swept away
  • strong concrete - doesn't get damaged by storm of flattened by strong winds
  • shutters over windows - can be closed to not allow rainwater in
• reducing the effects of tropical storms (bangladesh cyclone shelters) *LIC


  • reduced the death toll
  • warnings are issued via social media, TV, radio and bicycles
  • 3 flag system to warn people
  • women are educated on what to wear in the event of needing to swim