weather hazards

• What is global atmospheric circulation?

  Movement of air around the Earth
• How does global atmospheric circulation transfer heat?

  By moving air from the Equator to the poles
• What happens to air that is warmed at the Equator?

  It rises and moves towards the poles
• What effect does the Earth's tilt and rotation have on air movement?

  It complicates the pattern of air circulation
• What creates low pressure in the atmosphere?

  Warm rising air
• What creates high pressure in the atmosphere?

  Cold sinking air
• What are prevailing winds?

  Surface winds dominant in a particular area
• How do upper atmosphere winds differ from surface winds?

  They are faster due to less friction
• How does global atmospheric circulation drive the world's weather?

  It influences temperature and precipitation patterns
• Where is it cloudy and hot due to global circulation?

  At the Equator
• What weather conditions are found in sub-tropical regions?

  Cooler with light winds
• Where is it cloudy and wet in relation to the Equator?

  At around 60° north and south
• What weather conditions are found at the poles?

  Cold and dry
• What are the key features of global atmospheric circulation?

  • Movement of air in circulation cells
  • Transfers heat from Equator to poles
  • Warm air rises, cool air sinks
  • Influenced by Earth's tilt and rotation
  • Creates low and high pressure areas
  • Drives global weather patterns
• What are tropical storms also known as?

  Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons
• Where do tropical storms typically form?

  Between 5° and 15° north and south of the Equator
• What conditions are necessary for tropical storms to develop?

  Sea temperature above 27°C and rising air
• What role does the Coriolis effect play in tropical storms?

  It helps the storm spin
• What is the eye of a tropical storm?

  Center with low pressure and clear skies
• What is the eye wall of a tropical storm?

  Area with intense winds and rainfall
• How do tropical storms gain energy?

  From warm ocean water
• What happens to tropical storms when they meet land?

  They dissipate due to loss of energy
• What are the key features of a tropical storm?

  • Form in tropical areas (5°-15°)
  • Develop over warm seas (above 27°C)
  • Create intense low pressure
  • Form cumulonimbus clouds
  • Eye at the center with calm conditions
  • Eye wall with intense winds and rain
• What is the IPCC?

  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• How has climate change affected sea surface temperatures?

  Increased by 0.8-1.4°C since 1970
• What does the IPCC conclude about tropical storm frequency?

  It may decrease in the future
• What is the relationship between climate change and tropical storm intensity?

  Intensity has increased due to climate change
• What methods can reduce the effects of tropical storms?

  • Monitoring and predicting storm tracks
  • Issuing warnings and evacuations
  • Building reinforced structures and cyclone shelters
  • Contingency planning and community education
• What types of weather hazards does the UK experience?

  Hail, thunderstorms, lightning, torrential rainfall
• What causes flooding in the UK?

  Low pressure bringing heavy rain
• What extreme weather event caused 2000 deaths in the UK in 2003?

  Record-breaking hot summer
• How do strong winds affect the UK?

  Cause disruption and damage
• What evidence suggests UK weather is becoming more extreme?

  Increased frequency of extreme weather events
• What are the impacts of climate change on UK weather?

  • Increased frequency of extreme weather events
  • More intense storms and heatwaves
  • Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns
• What is the jet stream's role in UK weather?

  Drives weather systems across the UK
• How can 'stuck' weather patterns occur?

  Jet stream remains in one position
• What are the key points about extreme weather in the UK?

  • Increase in extreme weather events
  • Linked to climate change
  • Jet stream patterns may be changing