Key Terms: Storm Hazards (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note

Nature and causes of tropical storms - key terms

Atmospheric instability – A condition where warm, moist air rises rapidly, encouraging cloud formation and storm development.

Coriolis effect – The deflection of moving air due to Earth’s rotation; essential for the spiralling motion of tropical storms.

Cyclone – The term for a tropical storm in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Northern Australia.

Eyewall – The most dangerous part of a tropical storm, surrounding the calm eye, with the strongest winds and heaviest rain.

Hurricane – The term used for a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and West Coast of Mexico.

Low wind shear – Minimal variation in wind speed or direction with height, allowing tropical storms to develop vertically without disruption.

Ocean conditions – Warm, deep ocean waters supply the heat and moisture that fuel tropical storm formation.

Storm surge – A rapid rise in sea level caused by low atmospheric pressure and strong winds during a tropical storm, often leading to coastal flooding.

Tropical storm – An intense low-pressure weather system with sustained winds over 119 km/h, heavy rainfall, and often storm surges.

Typhoon – The term for a tropical storm in the South China Sea and Western Pacific.

Prediction of storm hazards - key terms

Computer models – Simulations that use real-time atmospheric and ocean data to forecast a storm’s track and intensity.

Data collection – The use of satellites, radar, weather balloons, and ocean buoys to monitor developing tropical storms.

Hurricane season – A predictable period when tropical storms are most likely to occur; varies by hemisphere.

NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) – A U.S. agency responsible for monitoring and forecasting tropical storms and issuing seasonal outlooks.

Saffir–Simpson Scale – A five-category scale used to classify tropical storms based on sustained wind speed and potential for damage.

Storm path unpredictability – The difficulty in accurately forecasting a storm’s path due to erratic movements and atmospheric conditions.

Impacts and responses to storm hazards - key terms

Adaptation – Adjusting building designs, infrastructure, or behaviour to reduce the risk from future tropical storms.

Aid – Emergency assistance provided by international or national bodies, such as food, water, medical supplies, and shelter.

Coastal flooding – The inundation of low-lying coastal areas due to storm surges and heavy rainfall, often leading to widespread damage.

Economic impact – The financial consequences of storm hazards, including damage to infrastructure, loss of productivity, and repair costs.

Evacuation – The planned removal of people from areas at risk of storm impact, aimed at reducing casualties.

Landslides – Slope failures triggered by intense rainfall during storms, causing destruction and blockage of roads and rivers.

Long-term response – Actions taken after the initial recovery, such as rebuilding infrastructure, improving warning systems, and increasing storm resilience.

Mitigation – Strategies aimed at reducing the future impact of storms, such as constructing sea walls, planting mangroves, or regulating land use.

Political impact – Pressures on governments to respond effectively; may involve changes in disaster preparedness policy or international relations.

Preparedness – Measures taken before a storm strikes, including education, emergency plans, drills, and communication systems.

Prevention – Although storms cannot be stopped, risk can be reduced by avoiding settlement in high-risk areas or improving structural resilience.

Primary impacts – The direct and immediate effects of a tropical storm, such as deaths, injuries, and damage to buildings and roads.

Recovery – The process of restoring normal conditions, including rebuilding homes, restoring services, and economic rehabilitation.

Rescue – Emergency services locating and assisting people trapped or injured by storm damage.

Secondary impacts – Indirect consequences such as disease outbreaks, water shortages, long-term homelessness, and unemployment.

Short-term response – Immediate actions after a storm event, including distributing aid, providing emergency shelter, and restoring electricity.

Social impact – The effects on communities and individuals, including displacement, loss of education, and family disruption.

Storm surge – A major hazard where strong winds and low pressure cause sea levels to rise and inundate coastal areas, often the most deadly storm effect.