Theme 8: Weather and Climate
Managing Tropic Storms
Above: this TRACKS the nature of a hurricane and its force (power) as it approaches the
Caribbean and mainland of the USA
Aim of task: to produce a DETAILED mind map about the strategies used
by both MEDC’s and LEDC countries as to how to manage the effects of
TROPICAL STORMS.
Learning Intentions:
1. To describe the characteristics of a tropical
storm
2. to locate the regions of the world where
tropical storm exist
3. to compare the effects of tropical storms in a
LEDC to a MEDC
4. to analyse the methods used by MEDC and LEDC
countries using a case study example where
possible
Tick when completed
MIND Maps: these are an excellent tool which can develop a learners
appreciation of a subject. Its visual content makes it great for
REVISION purposes and its lack of detailed writing makes them
relatively easy to build up. In addition, websites such as bubbl.us allow
pupils to save and return to the mind map, adding more content along the
way.
www.thegeographyofblackwoodgcse.wikispaces.com
Theme 8: Weather and Climate
Revision Summary: Tropical Storms
Conditions required for formation:
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Over Oceans
Ocean temperature over 27°c
Water heated to a depth of several metres
Close to the East Coast of continents
Late summer or early Autumn, when sea temperatures are at their highest
(noticed how hurricanes always hit America around September/October!)
Causes of tropical storms
1.
Air on surface of ocean is heated (it also contains lots of moisture)
2.
Hot, humid air rises, cools and condenses. Clouds form.
3.
Rising air creates low pressure. Air rushes in to fill gap left by rising air.
4.
Rotation of the earth means winds do not blow straight. Winds circle towards
the centre.
5.
The storm continues to feed itself.
6.
Whole system moves in towards land.
7.
When the system crosses the land it losses its source of heat and moisture.
The tropical storm losses its energy and dies out.
Managing the effects of tropical storms
Reducing the effects of tropical storms includes:
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Studying tropical storms once they form (and tracking them)
Providing an early warning system (air raid LEDC, news report MEDC)
Long-term planning in areas prone to tropical storms such as engineered
shelters and evacuation centres, strengthening levees and better education
Case Study
You will have to know at least one case study about tropical storms. If you can learn two, one
in an LEDC (e.g. Bangladesh) and one in an MEDC (e.g. one in America - Hurricane Katrina)
Make sure you know why tropical storms cause more problems in MEDCs than LEDCs.
What might the examiner ask?
1.
What is a tropical storm?
2.
Describe how LEDC’s deal with the effects of a tropical storm. Use a case
study you have studied to illustrate your knowledge.
3.
Why are tropical storms much more damaging in an MEDC than a LEDC?
4.
Using a case study of your choice explain how a Hurricane can effect a place
5.
What modern technologies can be used to reduce the impacts of a tropical
storm?
www.thegeographyofblackwoodgcse.wikispaces.com
Theme 8: Weather and Climate
Tropical Storms
Other Weather Hazards
Case Study
Drought
Forest Fires
Heavy rain (Storm)
Arctic conditions
Landslides (heavy rain)
La Nina (and El Nino)
Barcelona
Australia
UK
Iceland
Brazil
South Pacific
Low Technology vs High Technology
Satellites, thermal imaging and engineered concrete sea walls are
expensive methods that many LEDC’s simply cannot afford. Below is a
scheme used by farmers in the Sahel region of Africa (Desertification is
causing already dry un-watered land to become desert)
www.thegeographyofblackwoodgcse.wikispaces.com
Theme 8: Weather and Climate
The Met Office provides a
comprehensive range of services
to warn government, emergency
responders, businesses and the
public about weather-related
hazards. By providing early
warning systems, weather risks
can be managed to minimise
disruption and safeguard lives.
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National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) — delivered
over the web and by email alerts, this provides colour coded
warnings of impending severe weather.
PWS Advisors — this team can be called upon to provide advice for
emergency responders.
Flood Forecasting Centre — the Met Office and the Environment
Agency work in partnership to provide advice on flood risk.
Hazard Manager — a one-stop information source for the
emergency response community.
Other services include: UK Coastal Monitoring and Forecasting
Service; FireMet; health forecasting (heatwaves, cold weather, UV
warnings, as well as services for people with respiratory or mental
health issues); animal health forecasting (such as spread of vectorborne diseases, like bluetongue); services to manage road, rail,
marine and aviation risks.
www.thegeographyofblackwoodgcse.wikispaces.com