Hydrometeorology PDF

HYDROMETEOROLOGY By Group 9 SOLLANO, SECONDES, JACINTO, LUIS, ONG Today we will: Define what hydrometeorology is. Discuss three examples of storms and their effects: Thunderstorms Tornadoes Hurricanes Reflect on how humans can deal with these weather disturbances....

HYDROMETEOROLOGY By Group 9 SOLLANO, SECONDES, JACINTO, LUIS, ONG Today we will: Define what hydrometeorology is. Discuss three examples of storms and their effects: Thunderstorms Tornadoes Hurricanes Reflect on how humans can deal with these weather disturbances.  What is Hydrometeorology? Hydrometeorology is the study of natural phenomena like tropical depressions, typhoons, droughts, and desertification, focusing on interactions between weather patterns and the hydrologic cycle. It examines the transfer of water and energy between the Earth's surface and atmosphere, helping us understand the dynamics of weather and water flow and their impact on daily life. Hydrometeorology and Other Disciplines How is hydrometeorology different from other related disciplines? More and more research show that in some instances, the science of hydrometeorology overlaps with the science of climatology, oceanography, cloud physics, and hydrology. However, we can say that hydro meteorology is still distinct, despite coinciding on some areas with the other disciplines. Hydrometeorological Weather Systems  In the Philippines, we experience a variety of weather systems both in the dry and wet seasons. Other countries experience their own weather systems. These different weather systems are powerful forces of nature that can lead to disasters as it produces many hydrometeoro- logical hazards, which will be discussed in the next lesson. In the meantime, let us review the different hydrometeorological weather systems: Super Typhoon Yolanda In the first week of November 2013, the Philippines experienced the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), particularly in Leyte. Yolanda was the strongest typhoon of 2013 and the 5th strongest in history, with winds reaching 315 km/h and a storm surge along the Eastern Visayas coast, generating 7-meter waves as high as 2-storey buildings. According to PAGASA during the 2014 DOST Science for Safer Communities Campaign, more powerful typhoons are expected to hit the Philippines in the coming years. With the country in the typhoon belt, averaging 20 typhoons annually, Filipinos must improve disaster preparedness for flooding and storm surges. It's crucial to better understand the science behind varying weather patterns, such as the occurrence of tropical depressions and tropical cyclones. HOW TYPHOONES ARE FORMED How Typhoons are formed Typhoons use warm and humid air as fuel, which is why they only occur near the equator. A typical typhoon forms due to high temperatures around the sea surface, as a result of which water evaporates and becomes warm and humid air. This air moves away from the surface, leaving an area of lower air pressure below. The Air from surrounding areas with higher air pressure pushes into this lower pressure area. The new air then becomes warm and rises as well. As this process repeats, clouds are formed when the moist air cools off, and when the rain falls, wind increases, hence the thunderstorm. Classifications of Tropical Cyclones Classification of Tropical Cyclones Tropical Depression - wind speed less than 64 kph This refers to a low-pressure area forming over warm seas and oceans, and made up of merging thunderstorms. Warm moist air continually rises and condenses, deriving energy from the warm sea or ocean. Classification of Tropical Cyclones Tropical Storm - wind speed at 64 to 118 kph The weather system takes on a more definite circular form as the winds rotate around a center. Classification of Tropical Cyclones Typhoon - wind speed greater than 118 kph In this category, the "eye" of the typhoon is formed, referring to the relatively calm ares at the center surrounded by the spinning winds. This is seen in satellite images as a small, circular cloud-free spot at the center of a typhoon. This "eye" is absent in tropical depressions and tropical storms. Checking tropical cyclone updates on the NOAH website is essential during PAGASA alerts to stay informed about the storm's path, heavy rains, and strong winds. Being aware of forecast changes allows communities to prepare effectively, especially if the cyclone is expected to pass through their area. Communities in high-risk zones can evacuate and prepare, while those in safer areas can provide assistance to those in need.  Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) The Southwest Monsoon, or "Habagat," brings heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding during the Philippine rainy season from July to October, often intensified by nearby tropical cyclones. In August 2012, Typhoon Gener and Typhoon Haikui, despite being distant, amplified the monsoon, causing week-long torrential rains in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. This event, known as the Habagat rains of 2012, led to severe flooding comparable to the devastation of Typhoon Ondoy..  Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) In the Philippines, the northeast monsoon, or Amihan, brings cooler, drier air from November to March, with little rainfall and fewer natural hazards compared to the southwest monsoon (Habagat). Originating from high-pressure systems in northern Asia during winter, it creates a calmer, colder post- Christmas season.  Tail end of a cold front A cold front occurs when a cold air mass moves faster than a warm air mass, forcing the warmer air to rise. This interaction often brings light to moderate rain, isolated thunderstorms, and strong northeast winds, potentially causing landslides, flash floods, and rough coastal waters. Such conditions frequently impact middle latitudes or areas near the equator, like Aurora and Quezon provinces.  Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure area near the equator where trade winds from both hemispheres converge, creating a band of clouds and high humidity. It significantly influences weather patterns, such as the wet and dry seasons in the Philippines, often bringing heavy rains and potentially triggering tropical cyclones. Thunderstorm (kidlat-kulog) A thunderstorm is identified by cumulonimbus clouds and the presence of lightning and thunder. Similar to tropical cyclones but without the high windspeed, thunderstorms result from the rapid rise of warm air, forming cumulonimbus clouds which then lead to precipitation in the form of water, ice, or hail, Thunderstorms can be created during the tail end of a cold front.  El Niño (Drought) El Niño, or "tagtuyot" in the Philippines, is a climate phenomenon marked by the warming of Pacific Ocean surface temperatures, leading to prolonged droughts that severely impact water supply, food production, and energy generation. Regions like Northern Philippines are especially vulnerable, with significant agricultural losses, such as the 2010 drought that devastated rice crops in multiple provinces. Early forecasting, which can predict El Niño events 6–9 months in advance, allows the government and farmers to adapt by choosing crops better suited to dry conditions, mitigating the economic and food security challenges.  La Niña La Niña is the opposite of El Niño, marked by cooler-than- normal Pacific Ocean temperatures near the equator, occurring every three to five years for 9–12 months. In the Philippines, it intensifies the wet season and raises the likelihood of tropical cyclones. THANK YOU Resource Page Use these images in your Canva Presentation. Happy designing! Don't forget to delete this page before presenting.