200 likes | 489 Views
Tropical Cyclones Hurricanes Typhoons. Hurricane Ike 2008. Tropical Cyclone. Large, rotating, low-pressure storm Forms over water during summer and fall in the tropics . Tropical Cyclones. Tropical cyclones require two basic conditions: An abundant supply of very warm ocean water
E N D
Hurricane Ike 2008
Tropical Cyclone • Large, rotating, low-pressure storm • Forms over water during summer and fall in the tropics
Tropical Cyclones • Tropical cyclones require two basic conditions: • An abundant supply of very warm ocean water • 29oC (84oF) • Mechanism to lift warm air and keep it rising
Tropical Cyclones • Occur most frequently in the late summer and early fall • These conditions exist in all tropical oceans except the South Atlantic Ocean** and the Pacific Ocean west of the South American Coast. • ** first and only recorded hurricane in 2004
Tropical Cyclones • Tropical cyclones move according to the wind currents that steer them. • Tradewinds • Prevailing Westerlies • Local winds
Stages of Tropical Cyclones • Tropical Waves • Begin as weak, low-pressure systems called tropical waves
Stages of Tropical Cyclones • Tropical Depression • Begins to rotate • Storm is issued a number • Tropical Storm • Winds speeds exceed 65 km/h • Storm is given a name
Stages of Tropical Cyclones • Hurricane (typhoon, cyclone) • Air pressure continues to fall • Wind speed reaches at least 120 km/h
Stages of Tropical Cyclones • A hurricane will last until it can no longer produce enough energy to sustain itself. • moves over land. • moves over colder water.
Classifying HurricanesThe Saffir-Simpson Scale • Classified based on: • wind speed • air pressure in the center • potential for property damage
Hurricane Hazards • Storm surge • The mound of water pushed in front of a hurricane • Flooding • Violent winds • Tornadoes
Storm Surge Hurricane Katrina 2005 Hurricane Camille 1969
Hurricane Andrew 1992 Hurricane Hugo 1989