Hydrometeorological Hazards and Disasters

A set of Hydrometeorological Hazards and Disasters flashcards.

What is storm surge?

A sudden rise of sea level above the normal level on the coast due to a drop in atmospheric pressure and the force of the wind as a tropical cyclone approaches the coast.

What three things can cause storm surge to be higher?

A stronger tropical cyclone, a shallower coast, and high tide coinciding with the storm.

What are three effects of heavy rains associated with an intense tropical cyclone?

Increases total sea level near the coast, causes flooding, and adds to damages in low-lying coastal areas and villages.

How can coastal communities protect themselves from storm surges?

By having a disaster preparedness plan, formulating land-use management regulations, conducting periodic drills, constructing safety structures, and planting sturdy trees like mangroves.

What should you do to prepare for a thunderstorm?

Stay or go indoors, stay away from anything that could conduct electricity, do not use electrical appliances or the telephone, stay in your car if traveling, and seek shelter from lightning if outdoors.

What is a tornado?

A localized windstorm characterized by a visible funnel-shaped, rapidly whirling cloud extending downward from the base of a dark cumulonimbus cloud.

What are signs of a tornado?

The appearance of a funnel-shaped column from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud, warm, humid, and calm weather, lightning and thunder, and a roaring and buzzing sound.

What does a red warning signal mean?

More than 30mm of rain observed in 1 hour and expected to continue in the next 2 hours. Serious flooding expected in low lying areas. Evacuate.

What are some man-made causes of flooding?

Increased urbanization, informal settlers, indiscriminate dumping of garbage, deforestation, failure of levees and dams, and blasting.

What is a public storm warning signal?

A signal developed by PAGASA to guide people on what should be done during a storm.

What are some climate-related hazards caused by tropical cyclones, especially typhoons?

Floods, storm surges, strong winds, landslides, and mudflows.

What is El Niño?

Associated with having no rain, hence the fear of drought and consequently dried-up fields and low water levels in dams and reservoirs for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses.

What is La Niña?

Associated with heavy rainfall and hazards such as flood.

What is a super typhoon?

A typhoon with winds of more than 220 kph.

What does Climate Change Mitigation refer to?

Measures that can reduce atmospheric accumulation of GHGs and thereby delay the predicted impact of GHGs on the global climate.

What does Climate Change Adaptation refer to?

Adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climate change stimuli, their effects, or impacts to reduce vulnerability, moderate damages, and realize opportunities.

What is the effect of greenhouse gasses?

Allows solar radiation but traps the heat inside.

How can you make a low carbon diet?

Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs, observe the 3Rs-reuse, reduce, and recycle, and buy energy-efficient appliances.

How is global warming take place?

The greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere help regulate the surface temperature of the planet.

What is an effect of global warming?

Extreme weather conditions, degraded air quality, altered forests' productivity and species composition, unproductive agriculture.

What is climate change?

A variation in the pattern of climate properties such as temperature, wind, and precipitation over a long period.

How prepare for drought?

Build structures that can conserve water, issue an early warning to prepare, and conserve water even prior to the occurrence of the drought.