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Questions and Answers
What is the primary factor that determines the classification of a hurricane?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.