HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

characteristics of a tropical storm

Diameter of up to 800km

Eye - calm central area

Low pressure

Heavy Rainfall

Strong Winds

High Waves

Can Cause Flooding and Mudslides

where in the world are tropical storms found

Tropical and Sub-tropical regions around the equator

When do Hurricanes (Caribbean or North American region) occur?

June-October/ August-October

When do Cyclones (South Asia) occur?

October-November/ December-March

When do Typhoons (East Asia) occur?

May-December

When do Willy-willies (Australia) occur?

January-March

What are the causes of tropical storms?

Low atmospheric pressure systems

Sea surface temperature of over 27°C for evaporation to occur

Lower and upper winds need to be coming from the same direction (to reduce wind shear)

How are tropical storms measured?

Saffir-Simpson Scale

Why are some countries more physically/ environmentally vulnerable to tropical storms?

Location

Why are some countries more socially vulnerable to tropical storms?

Education

Gender

Population Density

Age

Why are some countries more economically vulnerable to tropical storms?

Levels of development - building quality

Building regulations

Access to technology

Insurance cover

Why do people continue to live in areas at risk from hazardous events?

What were the short term impacts of Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines?

What were the long term impacts of Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines?

What were the short term impacts of Hurricane Matthew, Haiti?

What were the long term impacts of Hurricane Matthew, Haiti?