Chapter 12 - Tropical Storms Flashcards

0
Q

Which region has the greatest incidence of major tropical storms?

A

The western North Pacific has the highest frequency of tropical cyclones (16.5 per year).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
1
Q

When are hurricanes most likely to form?

A

June to October in North America.
June to December in Asia.
January to March in Australia & east Africa.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the ‘trade wind inversion’?

A

A temperature inversion (layer of air with increasing temperature with altitude) commonly found at sub-tropical & tropical latitudes.
The great height of the inversion to the west allows for more convection and the formation of deep cumulus clouds. Thus hurricanes are more likely to form, especially in western portion of Ocean basins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe cloud & precipitation patterns associated with hurricanes:

A

,

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How are hurricanes different from mid-latitude cyclones?

A

Hurricanes are smaller than mid-latitude cyclones.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How are Tropical Disturbances influenced by easterly waves?

A

Most Tropical Disturbances that enter the western Atlantic and become Hurricanes originate in ‘easterly waves’, which are large undulations or ripples in the normal trade wind pattern.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe ‘Tropical Disturbances’.

A

Tropical Disturbances are small clusters of thunderstorms. Hurricanes generally begin as Tropical Disturbances. (Stage 1 of Hurricane development)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Describe ‘Tropical Depressions’.

A

When Tropical Disturbances intensify into a rotating band of cloud cover and thunderstorm activity, they are considered Tropical Depressions. (Stage 2 of Hurricane development)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe ‘Tropical Storms’.

A

An intensified Tropical Depression can become a Tropical Storm if the wind speeds maintain above 39 miles per hour. At this point, the storm is named. (Stage 3 of Hurricane development)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe ‘Hurricanes’.

A

When a Tropical Storm continues to intensify and maintains wind speeds of 74 miles per hour, it is considered a true hurricane.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What ocean surface characteristics are required for the intensification of storms into hurricanes?

A

Oceans must have high surface temperatures in order to intensify & maintain a tropical storm or hurricane.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Is there a ‘typical’ path that hurricanes take after forming?

A

Hurricanes originate in tropical regions and migrate into the middle latitudes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What feature associated with hurricanes causes the greatest destruction to coastal regions? Is this also true of inland regions?

A

The most serious threat posed by hurricanes is a ‘storm surge’. A storm surge is the elevated rise in sea level due to low atmospheric pressure and the piling up of water by strong winds. When occurring with a high tide, the storm surge’s flood water can penetrate considerable distances inland.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Where are tornadoes most likely to be embedded in a hurricane?

A

Tornadoes most likely form in the right-front quadrant of a hurricane.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are hurricane watches & warnings? Are they exact corollaries to tornado watches & warnings?

A

A hurricane watch indicates that a hurricane is possible.

A hurricane warning indicates that a hurricane is expected.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the highest hurricane category on the Saffir-Simpson scale? How often do hurricanes of this magnitude occur?

A

The highest category is category 5, which are rare. There have only been 16 since 1969.

16
Q

Describe the parts of a individual parts of a hurricane.

A

Bands of thick cloud: contain heaviest thunderstorm activity, spiral in pinwheel pattern
Eye wall: concentric zone of maximum activist surround ‘Eye’
Eye: marked by clear skies, light winds, higher temperatures