Weather Patterns: Cyclones Overview

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic indicates that P and Q are mid-latitude cyclones?

Formation of closed isobars (correct)

Constant temperatures throughout the area

Presence of high-pressure systems nearby

Widespread tropical storm activity

Which mid-latitude cyclone, P or Q, is likely to be older based on the given weather update?

Cyclone Q, as it is bringing heavy rainfall and colder conditions

Cyclone Q, due to its position over the Eastern Cape (correct)

Cyclone P, because it has less intense rainfall

Neither, both are newly formed cyclones

What evidence supports that the Eastern Cape is experiencing rain and very cold conditions?

The absence of cloud cover indicating clear skies

Interaction between a cold front and regional topography (correct)

Presence of a warm front approaching from the west

High humidity levels recorded in the area

What additional weather condition is evident in the satellite image for the Eastern Cape?

Snowfall visible on higher elevations Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for residents of the Eastern Cape to be aware of the current weather conditions?

To prepare for potential hazards related to extreme weather Signup and view all the answers

What stage has the weather system reached according to the provided information?

Occlusion stage Signup and view all the answers

What type of winds are expected to affect the region between Plettenberg Bay and East London?

Gale-force south-westerly winds Signup and view all the answers

Which weather phenomenon is likely to occur in the northern high grounds of the Eastern Cape and Lesotho due to the mid-latitude cyclone?

Snowfalls Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for the South African Weather Service to issue weather warnings?

To ensure the safety and preparedness of the public Signup and view all the answers

What is expected to occur in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and northern KwaZulu-Natal due to the cyclone?

Favorable conditions for fire development Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cyclone is present in the region according to the weather service warnings?

Mid-latitude cyclone Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the surface winds that diverge out of cell B?

Dry and cold Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for a series of mid-latitude cyclones passing over an area in quick succession?

Cyclonic activity Signup and view all the answers

Where do tropical cyclones develop?

At the ITCZ outside 5º North and South Signup and view all the answers

What temperature must the ocean water be for tropical cyclone formation?

Above 28ºC Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon contributes to the formation of an intense low-pressure area in tropical cyclones?

Rising hot air Signup and view all the answers

What role does the tropical jet stream play in tropical cyclones?

It causes upper air low pressure that intensifies surface low pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the conditions required for tropical cyclones to occur?

Warm, humid, and unstable air Signup and view all the answers

Where do mid-latitude cyclones typically start?

The polar front Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the air around the low-pressure area of a tropical cyclone?

It is sucked into the low pressure. Signup and view all the answers

How are tropical cyclones named during the season they occur?

Alphabetically Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the impact of rapidly rising water during a flood?

It can lead to the destruction of buildings and infrastructure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of urban floods?

They can turn streets into fast-moving rivers. Signup and view all the answers

How do tropical cyclones typically move across the globe?

From east to west. Signup and view all the answers

What might weaken a tropical cyclone when it moves over land?

Interaction with mountainous terrain. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a consequence of flooding described in urban areas?

Swift-moving rivers in streets. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the impact of tropical cyclones be more severe in developing countries?

Economic resources for recovery are limited. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges faced by areas prone to urban flooding?

Absence of drainage systems. Signup and view all the answers

What does the damage caused by rapidly rising floodwaters often include?

Widespread destruction of vegetation and wildlife. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the increase in very intense hurricanes like Ike?

Increased occurrences linked to global warming Signup and view all the answers

Why do tropical cyclones rarely impact the coast of southern Africa?

Ocean currents divert them away from the coast Signup and view all the answers

Which region is predicted to suffer more damage to infrastructure if a hurricane strikes, given equal strength?

The United States of America Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of mid-latitude cyclones influences their movement?

They move eastward due to westerly winds Signup and view all the answers

What type of weather event is characterized by hurricane force winds and high precipitation?

Tropical cyclone Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for the urgency of weather forecasts before a cyclone?

To allow time for precautionary measures and safety preparations Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily influences the strength of a hurricane?

High temperatures at sea surface Signup and view all the answers

What atmospheric condition primarily drives mid-latitude depressions?

Westerly winds Signup and view all the answers

What kind of front is associated with a mid-latitude cyclone?

Cold front Signup and view all the answers

What is one probable consequence of a hurricane for southern Africa as opposed to the USA?

More loss of life in southern Africa Signup and view all the answers

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.