Tropical storms

• Where are tropical storms typically found?

  Between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn
• What is a tropical storm characterized by?

  A large low pressure center and thunderstorms
• What are the three names for tropical storms based on location?

  Hurricane, Typhoon, Cyclone
• When do hurricanes typically occur in the Atlantic Ocean?

  July to October
• Where are typhoons primarily found?

  In the Pacific Ocean, especially Japan
• What is the cyclone season in Australia?

  January to April
• What conditions are necessary for tropical storms to develop?

  Warm ocean, strong winds, Coriolis Effect
• How do tropical storms gather heat and energy?

  Through contact with warm ocean water
• What happens when tropical storms come onto land?

  They cause heavy rain, strong winds, and damage
• What are the hazards associated with tropical storms?

  Strong winds, storm surges, intense rainfall
• What occurs at the eye of a tropical storm?

  Calm weather with light winds
• What happens to air pressure and temperature as a tropical storm starts?

  Both fall as the storm develops
• What is the Saffir-Simpson scale used for?

  To classify tropical storms
• Why do hurricanes need a lot of heat to form?

  They usually occur over tropical seas
• What happens to the air as it rises in a hurricane?

  It cools, condenses, and forms clouds
• What is the role of intense low pressure in a tropical storm?

  It sucks in air, causing strong winds
• What happens to a hurricane when it moves over land?

  It starts to lose energy and fades
• What are the stages of a tropical storm's development?

  1. Temperature and air pressure fall
  2. Air rises and clouds form
  3. Winds increase and heavy rainfall occurs
  4. Calm period at the eye of the storm
  5. Air pressure and temperature rise as the storm ends
• What are the key processes in the formation of hurricanes?

  • Warm ocean heats the air above
  • Rising warm air evaporates and spins
  • Air cools and condenses into clouds
  • Intense low pressure creates strong winds