Tropical Storms and Low Pressure Hazards

Vocabulary flashcards about tropical storms, their formation, and related concepts.

Equator

The area where the sun's energy is concentrated, leading to hotter temperatures and rising air.

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

A low-pressure band at the equator caused by rising hot, less dense air.

Tropics

High-pressure bands around 30 degrees north and south of the Equator, where air cools, becomes denser, and falls.

Tropical Storm Season

The time of year when ocean temperatures reach above 26⁰C, creating conditions suitable for tropical storm formation.

Tropical Storms

Storms that form over warm oceans between 5⁰ and 30⁰ north and south of the Equator.

Eye

The calm center of a tropical storm, surrounded by the eye wall.

Eye Wall

The area surrounding the eye of a tropical storm where wind speeds and rainfall are highest.

Storm Surge

A secondary effect of tropical storms where sea levels rise due to strong winds and low pressure.

May-November, June-November

Hurricanes occur during these months.

October-May, April-December

Cyclones occur during these months.

April-January

Typhoons occur during these months.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Intensity Scale

Scale used to classify hurricanes based on wind speed.

Coriolis effect

Winds are deflected due to this effect, causing them to spin around the eye.