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?

<p>Snowfall visible on higher elevations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To prepare for potential hazards related to extreme weather (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Occlusion stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Gale-force south-westerly winds (A)</p> 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?

<p>Snowfalls (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To ensure the safety and preparedness of the public (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Favorable conditions for fire development (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Mid-latitude cyclone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Dry and cold (C)</p> 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?

<p>Cyclonic activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do tropical cyclones develop?

<p>At the ITCZ outside 5º North and South (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Above 28ºC (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Rising hot air (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It causes upper air low pressure that intensifies surface low pressure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Warm, humid, and unstable air (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do mid-latitude cyclones typically start?

<p>The polar front (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is sucked into the low pressure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are tropical cyclones named during the season they occur?

<p>Alphabetically (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It can lead to the destruction of buildings and infrastructure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of urban floods?

<p>They can turn streets into fast-moving rivers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do tropical cyclones typically move across the globe?

<p>From east to west. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Interaction with mountainous terrain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Swift-moving rivers in streets. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Economic resources for recovery are limited. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Absence of drainage systems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Widespread destruction of vegetation and wildlife. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Increased occurrences linked to global warming (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Ocean currents divert them away from the coast (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The United States of America (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of mid-latitude cyclones influences their movement?

<p>They move eastward due to westerly winds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Tropical cyclone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To allow time for precautionary measures and safety preparations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily influences the strength of a hurricane?

<p>High temperatures at sea surface (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What atmospheric condition primarily drives mid-latitude depressions?

<p>Westerly winds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Cold front (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>More loss of life in southern Africa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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