Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does the Coriolis effect influence air motion around a low-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere?
How does the Coriolis effect influence air motion around a low-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere?
- It has no impact on air motion around pressure systems.
- It deflects air to the right, causing a counter-clockwise rotation around the low-pressure system. (correct)
- It causes air to flow directly into the center of the low-pressure system.
- It deflects air to the left, causing a clockwise rotation around the low-pressure system.
Which force primarily drives the initial movement of air that eventually forms wind?
Which force primarily drives the initial movement of air that eventually forms wind?
- Frictional force
- Pressure gradient force (correct)
- Centrifugal force
- Coriolis effect
What is a key characteristic of tropical cyclones?
What is a key characteristic of tropical cyclones?
- Small, localized storms with short durations
- High pressure systems with descending air
- Large rotating masses of low pressure with strong winds and heavy rainfall (correct)
- Formation over land due to temperature inversions
Which of the following conditions is essential for tropical cyclone formation?
Which of the following conditions is essential for tropical cyclone formation?
Why do hurricanes weaken when they move over land?
Why do hurricanes weaken when they move over land?
What is the minimum sustained wind speed required for a storm to be classified as a hurricane (or tropical cyclone)?
What is the minimum sustained wind speed required for a storm to be classified as a hurricane (or tropical cyclone)?
In which general area do hurricanes tend to be most frequent?
In which general area do hurricanes tend to be most frequent?
What is the primary factor that determines the classification of a hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale?
What is the primary factor that determines the classification of a hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale?
What is the most direct effect of the Coriolis Effect on wind direction?
What is the most direct effect of the Coriolis Effect on wind direction?
What is the general location of the 'eye' of a hurricane?
What is the general location of the 'eye' of a hurricane?
What is the typical range of named storms per year in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico?
What is the typical range of named storms per year in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico?
Which of the following is a direct impact of storm surge associated with hurricanes?
Which of the following is a direct impact of storm surge associated with hurricanes?
What is the main factor that causes easterly tracking hurricanes to curve north, then northeast and eventually into the mid-latitudes?
What is the main factor that causes easterly tracking hurricanes to curve north, then northeast and eventually into the mid-latitudes?
What is the classification given to a tropical cyclone with wind speeds below 39 mph?
What is the classification given to a tropical cyclone with wind speeds below 39 mph?
What is the primary energy source for tropical cyclones, allowing them to intensify and maintain themselves?
What is the primary energy source for tropical cyclones, allowing them to intensify and maintain themselves?
Flashcards
Coriolis Effect
Coriolis Effect
The effect of Earth's rotation on moving objects, deflecting them to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tropical Cyclones
Tropical Cyclones
Large rotating masses of low pressure, characterized by strong winds and torrential rain.
Tropical Cyclone Formation Conditions
Tropical Cyclone Formation Conditions
These include warm ocean waters (at least 80°F/27°C) with a unstable atmosphere, moist air near the mid-level, a location at least 200 miles from the equator, and low vertical wind shear.
Tropical Depression
Tropical Depression
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Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
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Hurricane
Hurricane
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Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
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Storm Surge
Storm Surge
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Category 1 Hurricane Damage
Category 1 Hurricane Damage
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Category 2 Hurricane Damage
Category 2 Hurricane Damage
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Category 3 Hurricane Damage
Category 3 Hurricane Damage
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Category 4 Hurricane Damage
Category 4 Hurricane Damage
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Category 5 Hurricane Damage
Category 5 Hurricane Damage
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Study Notes
- Air-Sea Interactions II
- Tropical cyclones are discussed
- Hurricane trajectories focus around tropical and mid-latitudes
- How the Coriolis effect impacts air motion in pressure systems is illustrated
Air Motion in Pressure Systems
- Pressure gradient generates wind
- The Coriolis effect deflects wind
- Friction causes divergence at high pressure (H) and convergence at low pressure (L)
- The pressure analogy works only for the Northern Hemisphere
Tropical Cyclones
- Large, rotating masses of low pressure
- Tropical cyclones bring strong winds and torrential rains
- Tropical storms typically form in specific areas
Conditions Required for Formation
- Warm ocean waters of at least 80°F/27°C are necessary
- An unstable atmosphere driven by temperature differences is needed
- Temperature decreases with height
- Moist air should be present near the mid-level of the atmosphere
- Located at least 200 miles north or south of the equator
- There is no Coriolis effect at the Equator
- Little change in wind speed or direction with height
- Low vertical wind shear
- Northern Hemisphere hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30
Hurricane Development
- Tropical Depression: Winds less than 61 km/hr (38 mi/hr)
- Tropical Storm: Winds range from 61-120 km/hr (38–74 mi/hr)
- Hurricane or tropical cyclone : Winds exceed 120 km/hr (74 mi/hr)
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
- Category 1: 74-95 mph; Expect some damage to roofs, gutters, siding, trees may topple, power outages
- Category 2: 96-110 mph; Expect major roof and siding damage, trees snapped and uprooted, near-total power loss
- Category 3: 111-129 mph; Well-built homes may incur major damage, many trees will be snapped or uprooted. Electricity and water will be unavailable
- Category 4: 130-156 mph; Loss of roof structure, some exterior walls may be damaged, most trees will be snapped or uprooted, power outages
- Category 5: 157 mph or higher; Total roof failure and wall collapse, fallen trees and power poles which will isolate residential areas.
Frequency
- From 1991-2020, the average numbers per year:
- Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico had and average of 14 named storms, 10 of which became hurricanes
- East Pacific Ocean had an average of 15 named storms, 12 of which became hurricanes
Hurricane Destruction
- High winds
- Intense rainfall
- Storm surge
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