Tropical Cyclones (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management): Flashcards
Exam code: 0680
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Define tropical cyclone.
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Cards in this collection (40)
Define tropical cyclone.
A tropical cyclone is a rotating, intense low-pressure system.
True or False?
Each regional name for a tropical cyclone describes a different type of storm.
False.
All the regional names describe the same type of storm; only the name varies by region.
What are tropical cyclones called in the Caribbean Sea?
Tropical cyclones in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico are called hurricanes.
Tropical cyclones in the South China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean are called .
Tropical cyclones in the South China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean are called typhoons.
Between which latitudes do tropical cyclones form?
Tropical cyclones form between 5° and 30° north or south of the Equator.
Why do tropical cyclones not form at the Equator?
The Coriolis effect is too weak at the Equator to make the storm spin.
Tropical cyclones need an ocean temperature of at least .
Tropical cyclones need an ocean temperature of at least 27°C.
Why do tropical cyclones not form at higher latitudes?
Tropical cyclones do not form at higher latitudes because the water is too cold.
True or False?
Tropical cyclones form when an undersea earthquake disturbs the ocean.
False.
Tropical cyclones form over warm tropical oceans, which supply the heat energy that drives the storm.
Why must warm water extend to a depth of 60 m?
Deep warm water lets the storm keep gaining energy without mixing with cooler water from below.
How does warm ocean water strengthen a tropical cyclone?
Warm water evaporates rapidly, adding heat and moisture to the rising air; more evaporation releases more latent heat, which makes the cyclone stronger.
When in the year do tropical cyclones form?
Tropical cyclones form when tropical oceans are warmest: June-November in the northern hemisphere and November-April in the southern hemisphere.
Which ocean has the most tropical storms?
The Pacific Ocean has the most tropical storms, followed by the Indian Ocean and then the Atlantic.
True or False?
Storm surges are the only cause of flooding during a tropical cyclone.
False.
Torrential rain and overflowing rivers also cause flooding, alongside storm surges.
Which hazards combine to make tropical cyclones so damaging?
Tropical cyclones combine high winds, intense rainfall, storm surges and flooding.
How do storm surges damage farmland?
Storm surges bring saltwater onto farmland, which ruins the soil for crops.
How do tropical cyclones trigger landslides?
Heavy rainfall saturates slopes, which triggers landslides.
Standing water after a tropical cyclone encourages breeding.
Standing water after a tropical cyclone encourages mosquito breeding.
How do tropical cyclones contaminate drinking water?
Floodwater mixes sewage with clean water, and saline intrusion from storm surges pollutes wells and aquifers.
Which financial losses do tropical cyclones cause?
Tropical cyclones cause repair costs for transport, homes, utilities and businesses, plus lost farm production and lost tourism income.
Which methods do agencies use to monitor tropical cyclones?
Agencies use satellite images, radar and wind measurements, aircraft reconnaissance and computer modelling.
Computer modelling helps forecasters predict a tropical cyclone's .
Computer modelling helps forecasters predict a tropical cyclone's path.
Which storm surge measurement can forecasts predict?
Forecasts can predict storm surge height, which helps coastal areas prepare for flooding.
True or False?
Tropical cyclone warnings always reach every community.
False.
Some remote communities may not receive warnings.
How can changing forecasts weaken a warning system?
Predictions may change, which reduces public trust in later warnings.
How do hurricane straps protect a building?
Hurricane straps secure the roof so high winds cannot rip it off.
Define cyclone shelter.
A cyclone shelter is a strong, elevated structure of reinforced concrete that protects large groups of people and stores food, water and medicine.
True or False?
Extreme cyclone winds cannot destroy reinforced buildings.
False.
Extreme winds can still destroy reinforced structures.
Why do low-income communities often lack wind-resistant buildings?
Low-income communities often cannot afford the improvements, and upgrading old buildings costs a lot of money.
Which areas do people evacuate from before a tropical cyclone?
People evacuate from low-lying coasts and landslide-prone hills.
What can delay a cyclone evacuation?
Traffic congestion delays movement, and some people refuse to leave.
True or False?
Cyclone shelters protect everyone in a cyclone-prone area.
False.
Shelters can become overcrowded, have poor conditions and are not accessible to everyone.
What does disaster preparation for tropical cyclones include?
Preparation includes emergency plans and evacuation routes, community drills, stockpiled supplies, trained rescue teams and public education campaigns.
Why can disaster preparation fail to protect a community?
Preparation needs regular training and funding, not all communities take part, and supplies may not be maintained properly.
Rebuilding after a tropical cyclone offers an opportunity to upgrade .
Rebuilding after a tropical cyclone offers an opportunity to upgrade building standards.
Why is rebuilding after a tropical cyclone difficult?
Rebuilding is slow and costs a great deal of money, insurance may not cover all the costs, and it can disrupt communities.
Which forms of international aid help after a tropical cyclone?
Aid includes emergency supplies, medical teams and rescue workers, financial assistance for rebuilding and planning expertise.
Damaged can delay international aid.
Damaged transport routes can delay international aid.
True or False?
International aid has no long-term drawbacks.
False.
Aid can create dependency in the long term, and some aid may be poorly managed or misused.
Why was large-scale evacuation limited during Cyclone Idai (2019)?
Poverty and damaged infrastructure limited evacuation, and poor communication weakened the early warning.
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