Tornadoes

A set of vocabulary flashcards focused on key terms related to tropical cyclones as covered in the Geography 131 lecture.

Tropical Cyclone

A large, rapidly-rotating, low-pressure system with strong winds and heavy rain, as tall as the troposphere, and can be 1000 km wide.

Eye

The central area of a hurricane that is quiet and calm, often with clear skies.

Eyewall

Thunderstorms circling the eye of a hurricane, where the strongest winds and rain are found.

Rain Bands

Spiral bands of dense clouds and storms associated with a tropical cyclone.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth, crucial for the formation and movement of cyclones.

Saffir-Simpson Scale

A system that classifies hurricanes based on their wind speed and central pressure, indicating potential damage.

Hurricane Season

The time period when hurricanes are most likely to form, typically from June 1 to November 30 in the North Atlantic.

Storm Surge

An increase in sea level caused by a hurricane's low pressure and wind, leading to flooding in coastal areas.

Latent Heat

The heat released when water vapor condenses into liquid, providing fuel for tropical cyclones.

Factors that strengthen Tropical Cyclones

Humid air and warm water strengthen tropical cyclones, while land, dry air, and wind shear can weaken them.