Hurricanes: Characteristics and Impacts
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Questions and Answers

What is considered the most dangerous part of a hurricane?

  • Tornadoes
  • Raining
  • High Winds
  • Storm Surge (correct)

What can be a consequence of the debris scattered by a hurricane?

  • Strengthening of structures
  • Improved air quality
  • Spread of diseases (correct)
  • Aid in storm prediction

Which phenomenon is most likely to occur when a hurricane makes landfall?

  • Landslides
  • Fires
  • Tornadoes (correct)
  • Flooding

What precaution should people take during a hurricane?

<p>Stay indoors in a safe location (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How high can storm surges reach during a hurricane?

<p>6m (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What equipment do 'Hurricane Hunters' use to collect data?

<p>Specially equipped aircraft (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that causes hurricanes to rotate differently in the northern and southern hemispheres?

<p>Coriolis Force (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common danger associated with heavy rain from hurricanes?

<p>Inland flooding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should people do if emergency managers advise evacuation during a hurricane?

<p>Evacuate immediately (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a hurricane is known for having the strongest winds and heaviest rains?

<p>Eye Wall (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the strength of a hurricane typically assessed?

<p>Saffir-Simpson Scale (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT necessary for the development of a hurricane?

<p>Presence of a weather front (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which months does the Atlantic hurricane season typically occur?

<p>June to November (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum wind speed at which a storm is classified as a hurricane?

<p>119 km/h (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to hurricane names after they have been used?

<p>They cannot be used again for six years (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What other names are used for hurricanes in different regions?

<p>Cyclones and typhoons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hurricane

A powerful tropical storm with heavy rain and strong winds

Hurricane formation

Requires warm ocean water (26°C or above), moist air, and converging winds

Hurricane rotation

Clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, due to the Coriolis Effect

Hurricane parts

Eye (calm center), eye wall (strongest winds), rain bands (surrounding clouds)

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Hurricane strength

Measured by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale (1-5)

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Hurricane names

Given by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in alphabetical order, used for a period of six years and then reused

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Hurricane season

The period (June 1 to November 30) when Atlantic hurricanes are most likely to form

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Hurricane types

Different names based on location (hurricane, cyclone, typhoon)

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Hurricane Storm Surge

A dangerous rise in sea level caused by hurricane winds pushing water towards the shore, creating high waves and flooding.

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Hurricane High Winds

Strong winds that can damage buildings, trees, and other structures during a hurricane.

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Hurricane Debris

Scattered waste (like broken things) from a hurricane that can be dangerous because of sharp objects and potential for spreading disease.

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Hurricane Tornadoes

Tornadoes often form when hurricanes make landfall, and can destroy buildings and cause serious injury.

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Hurricane Flooding

Heavy rain during a hurricane can cause inland streams and lakes to overflow, flooding areas nearby.

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Hurricane Hunters

People who fly into hurricanes to collect data that helps predict the hurricane's strength and path to warn people.

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Hurricane Evacuation

Leaving areas immediately when authorities tell you to, due to strong winds, storm surge or flooding danger.

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Hurricane Safety

Important advice to stay safe during a hurricane, including avoiding low-lying areas, staying indoors, and seeking shelter.

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Study Notes

Hurricanes: Characteristics and Impacts

  • Hurricanes are intense tropical storms with heavy rain and powerful winds.
  • They originate over warm ocean waters.
  • Key ingredients for hurricane development: warm water (at least 26°C), moist air, and converging winds.
  • Winds exceeding 119 km/h define a hurricane.
  • Hurricanes rotate clockwise in the southern hemisphere and anticlockwise in the northern hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect.
  • Hurricanes have three main parts: an eye (calm center), an eye wall (strongest winds and rain), and rain bands (outer spinning clouds).

Hurricane Structure and Measurement

  • Hurricanes are also known as cyclones and typhoons, depending on their location.
  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) names tropical storms alphabetically for better tracking.
  • The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale (1-5) measures hurricane intensity. Higher levels cause greater damage.
  • Atlantic hurricane season: June 1st to November 30th (peak: early August to late October).

Hurricane Hazards

  • Storm Surge: The most dangerous part, powerful winds drive seawater towards the shore. This causes flooding and can reach heights of over 6 meters and extend over 150km inland.
  • High Winds: Damages homes, trees, roads, and other outdoor structures.
  • Debris: Scattered waste, potential for injuries from sharp objects, and risk of disease spread.
  • Tornadoes: Associated with landfall, causing severe destruction and potential for fatalities.
  • Heavy Rainfall/Flooding: Can cause inland flooding of rivers, lakes and low-lying areas.

Hurricane Preparedness and Response

  • Hurricane Hunters: Aircraft equipped for gathering data (temperature, pressure, wind speed/direction) directly within the storm.
  • Evacuation: If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Safety Precautions: Stay indoors during a hurricane, avoid low-lying flood-prone areas, leave mobile homes, use shelters or higher ground.

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Description

This quiz explores the nature and measurement of hurricanes, detailing their characteristics, formation, and structure. Learn about the vital ingredients needed for hurricane development and the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale used to assess their intensity.

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