Weather Phenomena: Tropical Cyclones and Tornadoes

Tropical Cyclones

• Characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and a distinct low-pressure center.
• Formed over warm tropical oceans and have well-defined structures.

Tornadoes

• Violently rotating columns of air extending from thunderstorms to the ground.
• Vary in size and intensity, typically forming in severe weather conditions.

Hazards Associated with Tropical Cyclones and Tornadoes

• Flooding: The overflow of water into normally dry areas, often as a result of heavy rainfall.
• Storm Surge: The rise in sea level due to low pressure over the sea, leading to coastal flooding.

Monsoons

• Seasonal variations in wind patterns that significantly affect precipitation and surface temperatures.
• Amihan (Northeastern Wind): Cool, dry winds typically from September to June, associated with fair weather.
• Habagat (Southwest Wind): Hot, humid winds that occur for the remainder of the year following Amihan.

Waves and Tides

• Waves: Manifest as energy transfer in water, resulting in moving surface patterns.
• Tides: Cyclical changes in sea level due to gravitational forces from the moon and sun.

Tidal Variations

• Spring Tide: Occurs when the sun and moon align, producing higher high tides and lower low tides.
• Neap Tide: Happens when the sun and moon are at right angles, resulting in lower tide variations.

Hazards of Waves and Tides

• Tsunami: Large waves generated by underwater displacements, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
• Tidal Flooding: Occurs when local tides rise sufficiently to inundate coastal areas, often exacerbated by storm surges.

Hazard Maps

• Tools used to identify areas at high risk for specific natural hazards.
• Risk assessment depends on factors like proximity to the hazard source and the frequency probability of events.