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Questions and Answers
What characteristic indicates that P and Q are mid-latitude cyclones?
What characteristic indicates that P and Q are mid-latitude cyclones?
Which mid-latitude cyclone, P or Q, is likely to be older based on the given weather update?
Which mid-latitude cyclone, P or Q, is likely to be older based on the given weather update?
What evidence supports that the Eastern Cape is experiencing rain and very cold conditions?
What evidence supports that the Eastern Cape is experiencing rain and very cold conditions?
What additional weather condition is evident in the satellite image for the Eastern Cape?
What additional weather condition is evident in the satellite image for the Eastern Cape?
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Why is it important for residents of the Eastern Cape to be aware of the current weather conditions?
Why is it important for residents of the Eastern Cape to be aware of the current weather conditions?
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What stage has the weather system reached according to the provided information?
What stage has the weather system reached according to the provided information?
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What type of winds are expected to affect the region between Plettenberg Bay and East London?
What type of winds are expected to affect the region between Plettenberg Bay and East London?
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Which weather phenomenon is likely to occur in the northern high grounds of the Eastern Cape and Lesotho due to the mid-latitude cyclone?
Which weather phenomenon is likely to occur in the northern high grounds of the Eastern Cape and Lesotho due to the mid-latitude cyclone?
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Why is it crucial for the South African Weather Service to issue weather warnings?
Why is it crucial for the South African Weather Service to issue weather warnings?
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What is expected to occur in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and northern KwaZulu-Natal due to the cyclone?
What is expected to occur in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and northern KwaZulu-Natal due to the cyclone?
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Which type of cyclone is present in the region according to the weather service warnings?
Which type of cyclone is present in the region according to the weather service warnings?
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What characterizes the surface winds that diverge out of cell B?
What characterizes the surface winds that diverge out of cell B?
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What is the term used for a series of mid-latitude cyclones passing over an area in quick succession?
What is the term used for a series of mid-latitude cyclones passing over an area in quick succession?
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Where do tropical cyclones develop?
Where do tropical cyclones develop?
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What temperature must the ocean water be for tropical cyclone formation?
What temperature must the ocean water be for tropical cyclone formation?
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Which phenomenon contributes to the formation of an intense low-pressure area in tropical cyclones?
Which phenomenon contributes to the formation of an intense low-pressure area in tropical cyclones?
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What role does the tropical jet stream play in tropical cyclones?
What role does the tropical jet stream play in tropical cyclones?
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What is a characteristic of the conditions required for tropical cyclones to occur?
What is a characteristic of the conditions required for tropical cyclones to occur?
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Where do mid-latitude cyclones typically start?
Where do mid-latitude cyclones typically start?
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What happens to the air around the low-pressure area of a tropical cyclone?
What happens to the air around the low-pressure area of a tropical cyclone?
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How are tropical cyclones named during the season they occur?
How are tropical cyclones named during the season they occur?
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Which of the following describes the impact of rapidly rising water during a flood?
Which of the following describes the impact of rapidly rising water during a flood?
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What is a characteristic of urban floods?
What is a characteristic of urban floods?
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How do tropical cyclones typically move across the globe?
How do tropical cyclones typically move across the globe?
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What might weaken a tropical cyclone when it moves over land?
What might weaken a tropical cyclone when it moves over land?
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What is an example of a consequence of flooding described in urban areas?
What is an example of a consequence of flooding described in urban areas?
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Why might the impact of tropical cyclones be more severe in developing countries?
Why might the impact of tropical cyclones be more severe in developing countries?
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What is one of the challenges faced by areas prone to urban flooding?
What is one of the challenges faced by areas prone to urban flooding?
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What does the damage caused by rapidly rising floodwaters often include?
What does the damage caused by rapidly rising floodwaters often include?
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What is the primary reason for the increase in very intense hurricanes like Ike?
What is the primary reason for the increase in very intense hurricanes like Ike?
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Why do tropical cyclones rarely impact the coast of southern Africa?
Why do tropical cyclones rarely impact the coast of southern Africa?
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Which region is predicted to suffer more damage to infrastructure if a hurricane strikes, given equal strength?
Which region is predicted to suffer more damage to infrastructure if a hurricane strikes, given equal strength?
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What characteristic of mid-latitude cyclones influences their movement?
What characteristic of mid-latitude cyclones influences their movement?
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What type of weather event is characterized by hurricane force winds and high precipitation?
What type of weather event is characterized by hurricane force winds and high precipitation?
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What is one reason for the urgency of weather forecasts before a cyclone?
What is one reason for the urgency of weather forecasts before a cyclone?
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Which factor primarily influences the strength of a hurricane?
Which factor primarily influences the strength of a hurricane?
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What atmospheric condition primarily drives mid-latitude depressions?
What atmospheric condition primarily drives mid-latitude depressions?
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What kind of front is associated with a mid-latitude cyclone?
What kind of front is associated with a mid-latitude cyclone?
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What is one probable consequence of a hurricane for southern Africa as opposed to the USA?
What is one probable consequence of a hurricane for southern Africa as opposed to the USA?
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Study Notes
Mid-Latitude Cyclones
- Mid-latitude cyclones occur in the Westerly windbelt, driven by the westerly winds
- They form at the polar front, the boundary zone where cold and warm air masses meet
- The air circulation of a mid-latitude cyclone is counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere
Tropical Cyclones
- Tropical cyclones form at the ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone), outside 5º north and south, where the Coriolis Force is present
- They form over oceans with water warmer than 28°C, resulting in evaporation, unstable air and low pressure
- The upper air low pressure from the tropical jet stream intensifies the low pressure on the surface
- Tropical cyclones are named alphabetically in the season they occur
- They are intense, low pressure storms that can cause significant wind and flood damage
- Tropical cyclones move from east to west due to trade winds
Effects of Tropical Cyclones
- Tropical cyclones can cause urban floods which can quickly fill streets and basements
- The impact of tropical cyclones is more severe in developing countries due to limited resources, infrastructure, and preparedness
- Tropical cyclones can also contribute to the development of urban floods where streets turn into rivers.
Synoptic Maps
- Synoptic maps can be used to determine the origin of mid-latitude cyclones
- The position of the cold front indicates the direction of the cyclone's movement
- The satellite image can show cloud formations and the severity of the weather
- Weather updates and warnings are vital for alerting people about the potential impact of weather events, allowing for essential preventative action.
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Description
This quiz explores the formation, characteristics, and effects of mid-latitude and tropical cyclones. Understand how these intense weather systems develop in different regions, their impact on the environment, and the terminology used to classify them. Test your knowledge on the dynamics of these powerful storms.
