Key Terms: Weather Hazards

Weather hazards for geography GCSE

Global atmospheric circulation

The larger scale movement of air around the Earth, driven by temperature differences between the equator and the poles. Influences climate patterns and weather systems

Atmospheric circulation model

Representation of how pressure belts and surface winds distribute heat and moisture across the planet, affecting weather patterns and systems

Pressure belts

Zones of high and low pressure created by te differential heating of the Earth’s surface. Influences wind and weather systems

Surface winds

Winds that occur near the Earth’s surface, driven by the Coriolis effect, contributing to weather patterns and ocean currents

Tropical storm

General term for storms that originate in the tropics, including hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons, characterised by strong winds and heavy rainfall

Hurricane

A tropical cyclone occurring in the North Atlantic or Eastern Pacific, with winds exceeding 74mph. Can cause extensive damage and flooding

Cyclone

A tropical storm in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, similar to a hurricane but with regional naming conventions

Typhoon

A tropical cyclone occurring in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, with similar characteristics to hurricanes and cyclones

Tropical storm formation

The process in which a tropical storm needs warm ocean waters, atmospheric instability and low vertical wind shear to form

Eye of the Storm

The calm, central area of the storm surrounded by the eyewall

Eyewall

A ring of thunderstorms surrounding the eye of the tropical cyclone, where the highest winds and rainfall are found

Storm surge

An abnormal rise in sea level caused by the wind and low pressure associated with a tropical cyclone, leading to coastal flooding

Climate change

Long term changes in temperature and weather patterns due to human activities which can affect the frequency and intensity and distributions of storms.

Primary effects

Immediate effects resulting from the impact of the tropical storms such as wind damage, storm surge and heavy rainfall

Secondary effects

Indirect impacts resulting from the primary effects including flooding, landslide and long-term economic disruptions

Immediate response

Actions taken immediately after a tropical storm to address urgent needs, such as emergency rescue operations and emergency aid

Long-term response

Actions taken in the aftermath of a tropical storm to recover and rebuild, including infrastructure repair and economic recovery efforts

Weather hazard

A weather-related event or condition that poses a threat to people, property or the environment. Includes floods, heatwaves or storms