Questions and Answers
What is the primary factor that determines the classification of a hurricane?
Wind speed, central pressure, and potential damage
What is the minimum temperature of ocean waters required for cyclone formation?
26.5°C
What is the effect of high wind shear on a cyclone?
It disrupts cyclone circulation
What is the term for the rise in sea level due to a cyclone's winds and low atmospheric pressure?
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What is the primary reason why Category 5 hurricanes are considered catastrophic?
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What is the purpose of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?
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What is the significance of a pre-existing weather disturbance or area of low pressure in cyclone formation?
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What is the effect of low wind shear on cyclone movement and track?
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What is the term for the change in wind direction and speed with height?
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What is the primary factor that determines the severity of storm surge?
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Study Notes
Tropical Cyclones
- Also known as hurricanes or typhoons, depending on the region
- Rotating low-pressure weather systems that form over warm ocean waters
- Characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges
Hurricane Classification
- Based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
- Categories 1-5, with 1 being the least severe and 5 being the most severe
- Classification is based on wind speed, central pressure, and potential damage
- Category 1: Winds of 119-153 km/h, minimal damage
- Category 2: Winds of 154-177 km/h, some roofing material, door, and window damage
- Category 3: Winds of 178-208 km/h, some structural damage, some apartment buildings may be damaged
- Category 4: Winds of 209-251 km/h, extensive damage, most windows will be blown out, and most commercial signage blown down
- Category 5: Winds of 252 km/h or higher, catastrophic damage will occur
Wind Shear
- Change in wind direction and speed with height
- Important factor in cyclone formation and maintenance
- Low wind shear allows for cyclone strengthening, while high wind shear disrupts cyclone circulation
- Wind shear can also contribute to cyclone movement and track
Cyclone Formation
- Requires a combination of atmospheric and oceanic conditions
- Necessary conditions include:
- Warm ocean waters (at least 26.5°C) to a depth of 50 meters
- Moisture and instability in the atmosphere
- Low pressure system or area of low pressure
- Pre-existing weather disturbance or area of low pressure
- Low wind shear
- Cyclones form when these conditions come together, allowing for the development of a rotating system
Storm Surge
- Rise in sea level due to the cyclone's winds and low atmospheric pressure
- Can cause coastal flooding, erosion, and damage
- Storm surge is often the deadliest and most destructive part of a cyclone
- Factors affecting storm surge severity include:
- Cyclone intensity and size
- Angle of approach to the coast
- Shape and orientation of the coastline
- Tide level at the time of landfall
Tropical Cyclones
- Tropical cyclones are rotating low-pressure weather systems that form over warm ocean waters, characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.
- They are also known as hurricanes or typhoons, depending on the region.
Hurricane Classification
- Hurricane classification is based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with categories ranging from 1 to 5.
- Category 1 hurricanes have winds of 119-153 km/h, causing minimal damage.
- Category 2 hurricanes have winds of 154-177 km/h, causing some roofing material, door, and window damage.
- Category 3 hurricanes have winds of 178-208 km/h, causing some structural damage, and some apartment buildings may be damaged.
- Category 4 hurricanes have winds of 209-251 km/h, causing extensive damage, with most windows blown out and most commercial signage blown down.
- Category 5 hurricanes have winds of 252 km/h or higher, causing catastrophic damage.
Wind Shear
- Wind shear is a change in wind direction and speed with height.
- Low wind shear allows for cyclone strengthening, while high wind shear disrupts cyclone circulation.
- Wind shear also contributes to cyclone movement and track.
Cyclone Formation
- Cyclone formation requires a combination of atmospheric and oceanic conditions, including:
- Warm ocean waters (at least 26.5°C) to a depth of 50 meters.
- Moisture and instability in the atmosphere.
- Low pressure system or area of low pressure.
- Pre-existing weather disturbance or area of low pressure.
- Low wind shear.
Storm Surge
- Storm surge is a rise in sea level due to the cyclone's winds and low atmospheric pressure.
- Storm surge can cause coastal flooding, erosion, and damage.
- Factors affecting storm surge severity include:
- Cyclone intensity and size.
- Angle of approach to the coast.
- Shape and orientation of the coastline.
- Tide level at the time of landfall.
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Description
Learn about tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons, and how they are classified based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
