Grade 8 Science: Tropical Cyclones Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, instruments, tropical cyclone anatomy, tracking concepts, and government agencies from the Grade 8 Science Tropical Cyclones review handout.

Tropical Cyclone

A rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and/or squalls.

Typhoon

The term commonly used for tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific.

Hurricane

The term commonly used for tropical cyclones in other regions such as the Atlantic.

Continuous Evaporation

A process driven by warm ocean water where water vapor becomes available in the atmosphere, contributing to moisture in clouds and rainfall.

Convergent Winds

Winds moving toward a particular area, produced by differences between pressure systems, which contribute to cyclone development.

Eye

The central part of the tropical cyclone, which is surrounded by the eyewall.

Eyewall

The region surrounding the eye of a tropical cyclone, associated with the strongest part of the storm.

Outer Bands

Spiral bands of clouds and thunderstorms extending outward from the storm.

Subsidence Zone

An area associated with sinking air within the cyclone structure.

Windward Side

The side of a mountain that faces the incoming wind.

Leeward Side

The side of a mountain that is away from the incoming wind.

Anemometer

An instrument used to measure wind speed, which is how fast air is moving.

Wind Vane

An instrument used to measure wind direction, which is the direction from which wind originates.

Thermometer

An instrument used to measure air temperature, which is how hot or cold the air is.

Rain Gauge

An instrument used to measure the amount of rain, which is the amount of liquid precipitation.

Barometer

An instrument used to measure air pressure, which is the pressure within Earth's atmosphere.

Weather Variables and Measuring Instruments

A reference chart listing the key weather variables, what each variable measures, and their corresponding instruments.

PAGASA

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; the government agency responsible for monitoring typhoons and weather disturbances, weather forecasting, flood control, and astronomy research.

Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)

An imaginary boundary around the Philippines and surrounding bodies of water used by PAGASA in monitoring tropical cyclones and weather disturbances.

Current Position

The location of the tropical cyclone at a particular time.

Initial Position

The starting position used in tracking the cyclone.

Cone of Uncertainty

An area showing the possible range of the cyclone's future track.

E-E-O-S

A memory tip for remembering the anatomy of a tropical cyclone: Eye, Eyewall, Outer bands, Subsidence zone.

A-W-T-R-B

A memory tip for remembering weather instruments: Anemometer, Wind vane, Thermometer, Rain gauge, Barometer.