tropical storms

Define convection cell.

When different air temperatures lead to the formation of areas of high and low pressure, linked together by warmer or cooler air.

Define jet stream.

Fast-flowing current of air.

What is global atmospheric circulation?

The worldwide system of winds.

Air always moves from // pressure to // pressure

High, Low

Define insolation.

Amount of solar radiation received in an area.

Define weather.

The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time.

What is the Coriolis effect?

Earth’s surface rotates faster at the equator than at the poles. This causes the appearance that global winds curve as they move.

What is the hadley cell?

• Largest atmospheric cell, extends 30-40° N and S of the equator.

• Warm air rises, cool air sinks.

How is wind formed?

When air moves from high to low pressure, creating by insolation.

Where do tropical storms form? (2 points)

• Over warm tropical oceans (27°c)

• Between 5° and 30°N and S of the equator.

Describe how tropical storms fully form.

• Begins over a warm ocean.

• Warm, moist air rises and causing areas of low pressure.

• Winds begin to spin due to the Coriolis Effect, powering the storm.

• Cool air sinks in the centre to form a peaceful Eye.

• Once the storm reaches land, it’ll collapse due to it’s energy being cut off.

What scale is used to measure storms?

Saffir-simpson scale.

What is the average lifespan of a tropical storm?

7-14 days.

Case Study: What typhoon occurred in the Philippines at category 5? (5 points)

Typhoon Rai ‘21

• Caused many major road blockages and 36million homes were destroyed.

• Crops were washed away, leading to food shortages.

• Charities such as Oxfam helped people get their livelihoods back.

• Approx 400 killed, but 1.1K injured.

• Outbreaks of disease.

What are the four ways to prepare for a tropical storm?

• Prediction - E.g. the ‘track cone’

• Protection - Buildings with stilts. (Withstanding impacts)

• Planning - Emergency kits. (Human preparation)

• Monitoring - Radars and satellites.

Case Study: Where in the UK can we see low-land flooding?

Cockermouth, Cumbria, 2009

• Located in a drainage basin on the confluence of two rivers.

• £275mill in damages

• Local farms and train stations destroyed.

• Massive loss of tourism.

• 20 schools used as shelters.

• £500K spent on flood protection improvements.

Define extreme weather.

A weather event that causes threat to human and animal life.