(SEM1Q1, SCI) 3.3 - Effects of Landforms and Bodies of Water on Typhoons

What is orography?

study of the formation of mountains

Topography is defined as the record of?

terrains

Topography is defined as the quality of?

the surface

Topography is defined as the recognition of?

landforms

What happens when elevated terrains act as a barrier to airflow?

Orographic lifting occurs.

What is orographic lifting?

mechanism that causes air to rise along mountain slopes on the windward side

How can you describe the air coming from above the ocean surface?

warm and heavy with moisture

What happens to warm ocean air as it goes up?

It cools down, the moisture condeses as rain.

Where can you locate the majoirty of the rainiest places on Earth?

windward mountain slopes

In which side of the mountain can you find little or no rain?

leeward side

Why is the leeward side of a mountain dry?

Moisture would have been depleted by the time it reaches here.

What happens when cool air descends on the leeward side?

It becomes warmer and drier. Water evaporates.

What is a rain shadow?

the driest area on the leeward side

What is the leeward side of a mountain at risk for?

droughts

In which side of the mountain can you find fewer typhoons?

leeward side

As the air is lifted up the mountain slope, it cools as it rises - which is a process known as?

adiabatic cooling

What causes the formation of clouds and precipitation on the windward slope of a mountain?

cooling of rising warm air

As the air descends down the leeward slope, it warms and expands - which is a process known as?

adiabatic warming

Why do clouds dissipate and precipitation is reduced in the leeward slope of mountains?

warming of descending cool air

What has an effect on how strong typhoons hit near landmasses?

large bodies of water

How do bodies of water affect a typhoon?

based on how strong the energy is released by the landforms and bodies of water

Where do typhoons get energy from?

warm water

Where do typhoons lose their energy from?

cold water

A typhoon weakens when it interacts with what?

large masses

What does the temperature of the bodies of water determine? (2)

(1) air's temperature
(2) moderation of its humidity

Why is warm water responsible for the formation of a typhoon?

It increases air temperature and humidity.

Why is cold water responsible for lessening the energy of a typhoon?

It decreases the air's temperature and lessens relative humidity.

Which side of the mountain faces the sea?

windward

Which side of the mountain faces away from the sea?

leeward

What is an example of a rain shadow desert located in North America?

Great Basin