Question 1: What is a tropical cyclone?

Answer: A rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds, and heavy rain, forming over warm ocean waters.

Question 2: Define storm surge and explain its significance during tropical storms.

Answer: A rise in sea level caused by the storm's winds and low pressure, which can lead to coastal flooding and destruction.

Question 3: Name the three main types of tropical cyclones based on their location.

Answer: Hurricanes (Atlantic, Eastern Pacific), Typhoons (Western Pacific), Cyclones (Indian Ocean and South Pacific).

Question 4: What are the main factors that influence the development of tropical storms?

Answer: Warm sea surface temperatures, high humidity, low wind shear, and Coriolis effect.

Question 5: Explain the term 'eye' in the context of tropical cyclones.

Answer: The calm, clear central part of a tropical cyclone, characterized by low pressure and light winds.

Question 1: What is the primary source of energy for tropical storms?

Answer: Warm ocean water

Question 2: Name the region where the Atlantic hurricane season primarily occurs.

Answer: The Atlantic Ocean, particularly near the Caribbean and southeastern United States.

Question 3: Identify two main impacts of tropical storms on coastal communities.

Answer: Flooding and destruction of property.

Question 4: What is the Saffir-Simpson scale used for?

Answer: To measure the intensity of hurricanes based on wind speed

Question 5: Describe the typical path of a tropical storm in the Atlantic region.

Answer: They usually form over the tropical Atlantic, move westward towards the Caribbean or southeastern North America, and can curve northward or northeastward.

Question 1: Based on the case of Hurricane Katrina (2005), identify three impacts on New Orleans and surrounding areas.

Answer: Severe flooding due to storm surge, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and loss of life.

Question 2: Explain the role of geographical location in the development and impact of Typhoon Haiyan (2013) in the Philippines.

Answer: The warm waters of the Western Pacific provided energy, and the location near densely populated coastal areas amplified the storm's destructive impact.

Question 3: Analyze why some areas are more vulnerable to tropical storm damage than others, referencing specific factors.

Answer: Vulnerability depends on coastal geography, level of preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and socio-economic factors.

Question 4: Identify at least two strategies used in the Philippines to reduce the impacts of Typhoon Haiyan.

Answer: Early warning systems and evacuation plans.

Question 1: Explain why warm sea surface temperatures are crucial for the formation of tropical storms.

Answer: Warm sea surface temperatures provide the energy necessary for evaporation and cloud formation, fueling the storm's development and intensification.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of rapid intensification in tropical storms, citing specific geographical factors.

Answer: Rapid intensification occurs when favorable conditions such as high sea temperatures, low wind shear, and high humidity align, allowing the storm to quickly gain strength.

Question 3: Explain how the Coriolis effect influences the rotation of tropical storms.

Answer: The Coriolis effect causes the storm to spin due to Earth's rotation, leading to the characteristic cyclonic rotation—counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 1: To what extent are current forecasting and early warning systems effective in reducing the impacts of tropical storms?

Answer: Forecasting and early warning systems have improved significantly, enabling timely evacuations and preparedness. However, limitations such as unpredictable storm paths, infrastructure challenges, and socio-economic factors reduce their overall effectiveness. While they save lives and reduce property damage in many cases, some vulnerable populations remain at risk due to inadequate resources or communication failures.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of different management strategies used to mitigate the impacts of tropical storms in vulnerable regions like the Philippines and the USA.

Answer: Management strategies like early warning systems, evacuation plans, flood defenses, and public education are generally effective but vary in success. In the USA, advanced infrastructure and preparedness contribute to fewer casualties. In the Philippines, community-based approaches and international aid have improved resilience, but economic and infrastructural limitations hinder full effectiveness. A combination of strategies tailored to local contexts offers the best chance of reducing impacts.