2.2 Tropical Cyclones (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)
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What are tropical cyclones?
Tropical cyclones are rotating, intense low-pressure systems that form over warm tropical oceans.
What conditions are needed for a tropical cyclone to form?
Conditions needed for a tropical cyclone to form are:
Sea temperatures must be 27°C and above
There must be low wind shear
The Coriolis effect comes from the earth's rotation
Define the term wind shear.
Wind shear is a difference in either wind speed or direction with height.
What is the eye of a tropical cyclone?
The eye is a column of descending cold air with light winds, and no clouds or rain at the centre of the storm.
Where do tropical cyclones mainly form?
Tropical cyclones develop over warm tropical oceans between 5 and 15° north and south of the equator.
What different names are tropical cyclones known by?
Typhoons in the South China Sea and west Pacific Ocean
Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and west coast of Mexico
Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and northern Australia
What could happen to tropical cyclones if global ocean temperatures continue to rise?
The distribution of tropical cyclones would increase, affecting larger areas of the world.
How far can tropical cyclones travel in a day?
Tropical cyclones can travel up to 600 km at 40 km/h a day
When do tropical cyclones begin?
Tropical storms begin when tropical oceans are at their warmest, which is usually late summer (November–April in the southern hemisphere and June–November in the northern hemisphere)
What affect could global warming have on tropical cyclones in the future?
Global warming has the potential to increase the frequency, distribution and intensity of tropical storms in the future.
Define the term natural hazard.
Natural hazards are natural events that can cause loss of life, damage to property and the environment, and disrupt human activities.
What scale is used to categorise the wind speed of tropical cyclones?
The Saffir-Simpson scale categorises tropical cyclones based on their wind speeds.
When are tropical cyclones considered major?
Tropical cyclones are considered major when they reach category 3 and have wind speeds between 111 and 129 miles (178 and 208 kilometres) per hour.
True or false?
The impacts of tropical cyclones are only environmental.
False.
Tropical cyclones have social, economic, and environmental impacts.
What are the main impacts of tropical cyclones on the environment?
High winds can uproot trees and damage ecosystems, habitats and crops.
Intense heavy rainfall causes flash flooding and pollutes water.
Storm surges erode beaches, destroy coastal habitats and cause saltwater intrusion into fresh groundwater supplies.
Landslides can destroy habitats and block river channels.
Define the term storm surge.
A storm surge is a temporary rise in local sea levels. Caused by high winds pushing the seawater up and towards the coast.
What impact can high winds have on people?
High winds can impact people by damaging infrastructure, destroying buildings and damaging homes. High winds can also cause injuries from flying debris and loss of life.
What are the impacts of storm surges on people?
The impacts of storm surges on people include an increased risk of drowning and injury through fast-flowing water and damage to coastal defences.
Define the term primary impact?
Primary impacts are those caused by the tropical cyclone itself as a result of strong winds, high rainfall and storm surges.
What is meant by the term secondary impacts?
Secondary impacts are those caused by the primary impacts and occur later, after the storm has passed.
What were the primary social impacts of Typhoon Haiyan?
The primary social impacts of Typhoon Haiyan were:
A high death toll of 6 201 people
The loss of 1.1 million homes
What was the main economic impact of Typhoon Haiyan?
The main economic impact of Typhoon Haiyan was the estimated $13 billion in damages.
Why was the destruction of coconut plantations by Typhoon Haiyan so impactful?
The destruction of coconut plantations by Typhoon Haiyan was so impactful because coconut equates to nearly half of the Philippines agricultural exports and is the world's biggest producer of coconut oil.
What was the estimated cost of property damage from Hurricane Sandy?
The cost of property damage from Hurricane Sandy was estimated to be around US$65 billion. In New York City alone, economic losses were estimated at more than US$18 billion.
Which different groups respond to tropical cyclones?
Responses to tropical cyclones come from:
Individuals and communities
Organisations
Governments
How do communities and individuals respond to tropical cyclones?
Communities and individuals respond to tropical cyclones by supporting each other and helping rescue efforts.
What can be done to improve buildings against tropical storms?
Improve building regulations so that more buildings can withstand the impacts of tropical storms or change planning rules to restrict homes being built in risky areas.
What was the Philippine government's response to Typhoon Haiyan?
The Philippines declared 'a state of national calamity' and asked for international aid the next day.
What are some responses to tropical cyclones?
Responses to tropical cyclones include evacuations, rescue efforts, providing aid, repairing homes and infrastructure, and improving forecasting.