tropical storms

• they form: between 5 and 30 degrees north and south of equator
• form over: seas with a temperature of 27 or higher
• how they form 1) warm surface water evaporates, rises and condenses forming clouds
• how they form 2) releases energy producing storms
• how they form 3) rising air=low pressure increasing surface winds
• how they form 4) low wind shear prevents clouds from breaking- leaves storm intact
• how they form 5) as storm moves warm water strengthens it increasing winds
• eye- caused by descending air, low pressure, no clouds or rain, high temperature
• eyewall- spiraling air, strong winds, low temperature, torrential rain
• edges- clouds are smaller and scattered, rain is less intense, temperature increases
• reducing the effect tropical storms: predict where and when its going to hit, giving time to evacuate and protect infrastructure
• reducing the effect tropical storms: using radar and satellites to predict where and when they'll hit, computers used to predict the path
• reducing the effect tropical storms: plan evacuation routes before hand, future development plans aware
• reducing the effect tropical storms: building being designed to protect against storms, flood defences along rivers and coasts
• CASE STUDY: Typhoon Haiyan
• Primary effects: 8,000 dead, water supplies contaminated, $13 million damaged
• Secondary effects: flooding triggered landslide, jobs were lost, disease spread due to contaminated water
• Immediate response: fishermen warned not to go to sea, evacuation broadcast saved lives, aid was given
• Long-term response: charities built new homes, tourist board encouraged people to vist, $300 million to help rebuild