Question 1: What is a 'tropical cyclone'?

Answer: A rotating storm system that forms over warm tropical oceans, characterized by low pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.

Question 2: Define 'storm surge'.

Answer: An abnormal rise in sea level caused by the strong winds of a tropical storm, leading to coastal flooding.

Question 3: Name the ocean where most tropical storms develop.

Answer: The Atlantic Ocean

Question 4: What is the 'eye' of a tropical storm?

Answer: The calm, clear central part of a storm with low pressure and light winds.

Question 5: Explain what is meant by 'saffir-simpson scale'.

Answer: A scale that categorizes hurricanes based on their wind speed, from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).

Question 1: Which region is most frequently affected by tropical storms?

Answer: The Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico

Question 2: What atmospheric conditions are necessary for the formation of a tropical storm?

Answer: Warm ocean water (at least 26.5°C), low wind shear, and humid air in the atmosphere.

Question 3: Name the main destructive component of tropical storms.

Answer: High wind speeds

Question 4: Briefly describe how tropical storms lose strength.

Answer: They weaken when they move over cooler waters, land, or encounter high wind shear disrupting their structure.

Question 1: Hurricane Katrina formed over the Bahamas and made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 3 storm. Identify two major impacts of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans based on the case study.

Answer: Severe flooding due to storm surge, widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, and loss of over 1,800 lives.

Question 2: What were the main reasons for the extensive flooding in New Orleans during Katrina?

Answer: The city's low-lying topography, failure of levee systems, and the storm surge caused by Katrina's high wind speeds.

Question 3: Analyze how the storm's path and intensity contributed to its impact in Louisiana.

Answer: Hurricane Katrina's path over warm Gulf waters intensified the storm, and its landfall at Category 3 caused destructive storm surges and winds, leading to catastrophic flooding, especially in New Orleans which is vulnerable due to its elevation and levee failures.

Question 1: Explain why warm ocean temperatures are crucial for the development of tropical storms.

Answer: Warm ocean temperatures (above 26.5°C) provide the energy needed for evaporation, which fuels the storm's convection processes, leading to the development of intense winds and rainfall.

Question 2: Analyze the reasons why some regions are more prone to tropical storms than others.

Answer: Regions near warm tropical ocean currents, such as the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South-East Asia, are more prone due to favorable sea temperatures, atmospheric conditions, and the Coriolis effect which helps in storm rotation.

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

Answer: Forecasting and warning systems have improved significantly with satellite technology, enabling early alerts that save lives and reduce economic losses. However, challenges remain in developing countries where infrastructure and communication may be limited. Overall, these systems are effective but can be further enhanced through better international cooperation and investment.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies such as evacuation and seawall construction in mitigating storm damage.

Answer: Evacuation procedures and seawall constructions have proven effective in reducing fatalities and property damage, as seen in the Netherlands and parts of Japan. However, their success depends on timely implementation, public awareness, and maintenance. In some cases, inadequate evacuation planning or failure of seawalls can still result in significant damage.