Hydrometeorological Hazards Lesson 4

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Questions and Answers

What classification has the highest sustained winds of 118 to 220 km/hour?

Tropical Depression

Tropical Storm

Severe Tropical Storm

Typhoon or Hurricane (correct)

Which weather phenomenon is most directly associated with the onset of heavy rains and typhoons from June to September in the Philippines?

Summer Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) (correct)

Northeast Monsoon (Amihan)

El Niño

Tropical Cyclone

What is the origin of the word 'monsoon'?

A Greek term meaning 'season'

A Sanskrit term for 'change'

An Arabic word meaning 'season' (correct)

A Latin word for 'rain'

Which of the following tropical cyclone classifications features winds up to 61 km/hour?

Tropical Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily affected by tropical cyclones once they move over land?

Their wind speed decreases as they die down. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS)?

To alert people of wind speeds expected in a given area. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tropical cyclone has sustained winds exceeding 220 km/hour?

Super Typhoon Signup and view all the answers

During which season does the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) predominantly occur in the Philippines?

October to late March Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction is likely to suffer minimal to minor damage during adverse weather conditions?

Old dilapidated structures Signup and view all the answers

Which crops are expected to suffer considerable damage due to strong winds?

Rice and similar crops Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence for structures made of light materials during a storm?

They suffer substantial damage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential outcome for public transportation during severe weather?

Minor to moderate disruption Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the most common cause of death associated with a tsunami?

Drowning Signup and view all the answers

What is expected to happen to unsecured outdoor items during strong winds?

They may cause injuries or additional damage Signup and view all the answers

How might well-constructed houses react to adverse weather conditions?

They may suffer minimal to minor roof damage Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines a Tsunami Warning?

Indicates imminent widespread inundation potential Signup and view all the answers

What type of items may become projectiles in a storm?

Unsecured, exposed lightweight items Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives coastal processes?

Atmospheric factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes coastal erosion?

Loss of land due to natural forces like waves Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected impact on telecommunications during a severe weather event?

Minimal to minor disruption Signup and view all the answers

What causes saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers?

Groundwater development near the coast Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon refers to the rising of seawater due to storm-related changes?

Storm surge Signup and view all the answers

What does crustal movement refer to?

Motion of the oceanic and continental crust Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of coastal hazard?

Coastal erosion Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important action to take if you live in a temporary structure during a typhoon?

Seek shelter in a wind-safe room. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you avoid elevators during a typhoon?

The power may go out, leaving you trapped. Signup and view all the answers

After a typhoon has passed, what should you do if you smell gas in your home?

Leave immediately and report it to the authorities. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do during a lull in winds while a typhoon is occurring?

Stay put, as it may be the eye of the storm. Signup and view all the answers

What type of room is recommended for taking refuge during a typhoon?

A small interior room, closet, or hallway. Signup and view all the answers

What should you check for before entering your home after a typhoon?

Loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Signup and view all the answers

If you evacuated, when is it safe to return home?

Only when officials say it is safe. Signup and view all the answers

What is advised if you need to use tap water after a typhoon?

Do not use it until you are sure it is not contaminated. Signup and view all the answers

What type of houses are most likely to suffer from major damage during a typhoon?

Houses of poor or average construction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is at a greater risk of roof failure during a typhoon?

Dilapidated structures Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence of a typhoon in terms of infrastructure?

Significant disruption to public transportation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following will likely be severely impacted by a typhoon?

Banana and similar crops Signup and view all the answers

Which type of damage is most common in high-rise office buildings during a typhoon?

Blown out windows Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected impact on trees during a typhoon?

Extensive breaking and uprooting Signup and view all the answers

How many of the top five destructive typhoons occurred in the last 50 years?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential hazard related to airborne debris during a typhoon?

It may cause damage, injury, and fatalities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hydrometeorological and Coastal Hazards

Hydrometeorological hazards arise from climate processes including tropical cyclones, floods, tsunamis, storm surges, and coastal erosion.

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones (or typhoons) are intense storms originating in tropical regions, characterized as the most powerful weather systems.
Typhoons occur in the Western North Pacific, hurricanes in the North Atlantic and Eastern North Pacific, and cyclones in the Indian Ocean.
Philippine classifications of tropical cyclones include:
- Tropical Depression: Winds up to 61 km/h
- Tropical Storm: Winds of 62 to 88 km/h
- Severe Tropical Storm: Winds of 89 to 117 km/h
- Typhoon/Hurricane: Winds of 118 to 220 km/h
- Super Typhoon: Winds exceeding 220 km/h
Cyclones form over warm ocean waters and weaken on land; forecasting is critical for damage prevention.

Monsoons

Monsoons are seasonal wind and rain patterns, derived from the Arabic word "mawsim" meaning season.
Two primary monsoons in the Philippines:
- Summer Southwest (Habagat): June to September brings heavy rainfall.
- Winter Northeast (Amihan): October to late March leads to dry and clear conditions.

Potential Impacts of Tropical Cyclones

Poorly constructed houses (wood, bamboo) may experience minimal to minor damage.
Moderate winds can damage crops, especially rice during flowering and ripening.
Wind damage could lead to fallen branches and trees impacting agriculture.
Strong winds can cause severe damage to makeshift structures and old buildings.
Industrial parks may face moderate damage; power outages are common.
Cyclones can result in widespread destruction of crops and trees, causing significant disruptions in utilities and transportation.

Typhoon Preparedness and Response

High-risk housing (temporary or weak structures) could collapse during strong winds.
Residents near coasts or flood-prone areas should find a safe interior space during a typhoon.
Essential safety tips include remaining indoors, avoiding glass doors, and seeking shelter in small, secure spaces.
After a typhoon, stay updated via local news, avoid flooded areas, and inspect for gas leaks or structural damage.

Tsunamis

Drowning is the leading cause of death in tsunamis; rapid evacuation is crucial.
Tsunami alerts include:
- Warning: Imminent widespread inundation expected.
- Advisory: Dangerous currents likely near the water.
- Watch: Potential for impacting events.

Marine and Coastal Processes

Oceanography studies processes in seas and oceans affecting coastal environments.
Coastal processes consist of waves, tides, sea level changes, storm surges, and crustal movements.
Waves result from air movement; tides come from the gravitational forces between Earth and the moon.
Sea level rise can be caused by melting glaciers and icebergs.
Storm surges occur due to pressure and wind changes during storms, impacting coastal regions.

Coastal Hazards

Coastal erosion is the loss of land along coasts due to natural forces like waves and storms.
Saltwater intrusion occurs when seawater flows into freshwater aquifers, often due to coastal groundwater extraction.
Submersion refers to sediment movement from visible beach areas to submerged coastal regions, leading to further alterations in shoreline dynamics.

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Description

This quiz covers lesson 4 on hydrometeorological and coastal hazards, including tropical cyclones, floods, tsunamis, storm surges, and coastal erosion. Understand the processes that contribute to these natural disasters and their impacts on coastal regions.