Weather

Question 1

What are tropical storms?

Answer 1

Low pressure systems that have wind speeds of 119 kmph or more that last 1-2 weeks.

Question 2

How do tropical storms develop?

Answer 2

• Sea temperatures over 27°C, so that large amounts of water vapour evaporates and thus can rise and sink (fuelling the storm).
• Form between the tropics, not the equator (because the effect of the earth’s rotation is requireds to make rising air spin - you need the Coriolis effect). Do not form at greater latitudes because it is too cold.
• Form towards the west sides of oceans.

Question 3

How do tropical storms form?

Answer 3

1. Heated, moist air at the surface of oceans rises. This creates low pressure.
2. More air moves in to replace this low pressure air.
3. This mass of air begins to spiral and rise.
4. Thick, cumulonimbus clouds form. Heavy rain begins to fall.
5. Cooling and condensing air (causing rain) releases heat, which (along with Coriolis force) drives and intensifies the storm.
6. The low pressure eye forms at the centre where air falls.

Question 4

What are the conditions at the eye?

Answer 4

• Low pressure
• No rainfall
• Low wind speed - calm
• Warm and sunny, because no cloud (higher temperatures)

Question 5

What are the conditions of a hurricane approaching the eye?

Answer 5

• Air pressure decreases slowly and then rapidly approaching the eye.
• Wind strength increases rapidly then decreases rapidly.
• Rainfall inceases and then decreases rapidly.
• Temperature decreases with cloud cover and then increases at the eye.

Question 6

What are the effects of tropical storms?

Answer 6

• Strong winds destroy homes and businesses.
• Storm surges, causing flooding.
• Torrential rain causes flooding.
  
  • Landslides and damage to buildings caused by flooding.