Grade 12

Tropical Cyclones

Name:……………………

1
 Tropical cyclone
Cell of very intense low pressure which develops over
warm oceans between the tropics and is associated with
severe storms, strong winds and heavy rains.

 Represented by circular isobars

 Enclosing an area of intense low pressure

 Clockwise wind circulation in southern hemisphere

 Very steep pressure gradient = very strong winds

 Torrential rain & storm surges

 Hail, lightening & thunder

 Very strong winds
 Destructive weather conditions

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

Convergence of air in an Convergence of air in a

anti-clockwise direction, clockwise direction,

Deflection of air (HP—LP) Deflection of air (HP—LP)

to the right (Coriolis Force) to the left (Coriolis force)

2
 Tropical cyclone: Scale
 Tropical cyclones are categorised
on a scale of 1 to 5
 Most only reach level 3 and then
dissipate / disappear
 Categories 4 and 5 are the most
dangerous

! Naming
 Named with people’s names starting with a name beginning
with A for the first tropical cyclone of the season.

 We are able to determine how many other tropical cyclones

have already occurred in that season in that region.

Tropical Cyclone Season:

Indian Ocean (2021/2022)
Tropical cyclone Eline was the fifth one
in the 2000 season (February). Storm Storm Name
number name provided by
Four tropical cyclones preceded Eline.
1. ANA (Mozambique)
2. BATSIRAI (Zimbabwe)
3. CLIFF (Madagascar)
4. DOMAKO (Eswatini)

A tropical cyclone is smaller 5. EMNATI (Comores)

(300-500km in diameter) than 6. FEZILE Afique du Sud (RSA)

a mid-latitude cyclone (up to 7. GOMBE Tanzania

3000km) BUT the intensity 8. HALIMA Malawi

and threat is much greater! 9. ISSA Kenya

10. JASMINE Maurice

3
 Location, Location, Location

Local names: different areas of world

 Tropical Cyclones– east coast Southern Africa & Madagascar (Indian Ocean)

 Hurricanes— North America and Caribbean (North Atlantic and eastern Pacific Ocean)

 Typhoons— South East Asia (China, Japan, Philippines) (North Pacific)

Activity 1 Select the correct answer between the options provided

1. During which months do tropical cyclones typically occur in the southern hemisphere
in the Indian Ocean? October—May OR June—September
2. What season do tropical cyclones occur in the Indian Ocean? Winter OR Summer
3. In what direction do the tropical cyclones move?
East-West/SW OR West to East
4. In the southern hemisphere the arrows curve in which direction? Right OR Left
5. What is the general temperature of the Indian Ocean? Cool OR Warm
6. On which southern African coastline are tropical cyclones found? East OR West
7. Identify the latitudinal zone (N&S) where tropical cyclones occur. 0°- 30° OR 5° - 25°
8. What wind belt is present between 0º-30ºN/S? Tropical Easterlies OR Polar Easterlies
9. Influence of tropical cyclone on west coast of southern Africa? None OR Severe

4
 Factors that determine where & when…
1. Coriolis Force:
 Develop about 5° N and S of the Equator.

 They can not develop within 5° of the equator, as there is no Coriolis force.

 Coriolis force is needed for formation.

2. Latitudinal zone:
 Originate in the tropics

 Develop within latitudes between 5º-20º N/S (exception of

equator)

3. Ocean temperature:
 Tropical cyclones develop over WARM tropical oceans.

 Ocean temperature must be 27ºC and over to develop low

pressure.

 Affect the east coast of continents.

4. Erratic Path:
 They curve to the right in the
Northern hemisphere away
Erratic paths because from the equator
of temperature differ-
 They curve to the left in the
ences over the ocean
Southern hemisphere away
that cause them to
from the equator
curve away from
the equator.

As they move further from the equator they are picked up by the
westerly winds and travel polewards to approximately 25° - 30° N/S

5. Wind belt steering:

 Tropical cyclones move from east to west (westerly direction) and
are steered by the easterlies

 They develop in the east wind belt region (the easterlies)

5
 6. Season:
 Occurs at the hottest time of the year when the sea has
warmed up: late summer / early Autumn

 Hot conditions necessary for evaporation.

Conditions necessary for the formation of

tropical cyclones
Warm sea temperature Unstable atmospheric
conditions
(hot, humid, moist air)

Necessary Calm conditions

Conditions (no wind)

No / very little
friction
Coriolis Force

Intense low hPa closed isobars

steep pressure gradient

6
Tropical water:
Warm ocean

 Water vapour content over the ocean is greater— the

latent heat that is contained forms one of the triggers
for full development of the cyclone.

Humidity is the amount of water vapour in  Promotes high evaporation rates

the air.
 Necessary for formation of LP cell and convection
If there is a lot of water vapour in the air, (rising air)
the humidity will be high.

Latent heat
The energy that is released during a change
in state (i.e. water vapour to liquid to solid).

 The release of latent heat (due to condensation) warms the air, causing air to expand and rises.

 This causes the surface low to strengthen (the decrease pressure).

 As the sea level pressure decreases, more air converges at the centre of the storm, more latent heat
is released and the storm becomes strong and more powerful.

 The more intense the LP; the steeper the pressure gradient and the stronger the winds.

Activity 2 Feb. 2018

“Tabulate TWO differences between a mid-latitude cyclone and a tropical cyclone regarding
place of origin and the major wind belt steering it.” (2x2)

7
Stages in the formation:
Southern Hemisphere

 Low pressure system forms over the sea (wave develops in the
tropical easterly winds in equatorial latitudes)

 Air pressure drops but still above 1000hPa

 Isobars are far apart and some are open

 Air converges towards centre and air rises (eye begins to form)

 Cirrus and cumulus clouds - light rain

 Pressure at centre drops to below 1000hPa

 Eye intensifies (air converges and rises, spiralling around

the centre)

 Divergence takes place in upper air

 Spiral bands of clouds and light rain; cumulonimbus start

to form around eye

 Wind speed increases

 Pressure well below 1000hPa and stops dropping

 Isobars are close together (very steep pressure gradient)

 Wind: hurricane strength (120km/h)

 Dangerous semi-circle formed (forward left hand

quadrant) which experiences the most intense Explanation
weather conditions coming...
 Maximum diameter reached

 Eye: clear and calm well developed

 Towering cumulonimbus clouds around the eye

 Subsiding air in eye (warms adiabatically = cloudless eye)

 Tropical cyclone starts dying out

 Pressure begins to increase above 1000hPa

8
 Dangerous Quadrant
In the southern hemisphere, the dangerous (shaded grey) semi-
circle (forms in the forward left-hand quadrant of the cyclone)
and experiences the most intense weather conditions.

The direction of winds within the cyclone is the

same as the direction of forward movement (east to west).

Northern Hemisphere:

The position of the most

dangerous quadrant to
the forward right-hand
quadrant

Why Dissipation / Degeneration?

1. Land surface encountered
 Friction
 Drier air

2. Ocean Influences
 Cold ocean water
 Cooler subtropics
 Path advancing
cold front

9
Activity 3 Refer to the figure below which shows the
path of a tropical cyclone.
Nov.2020
1. Give evidence that this tropical cyclone is in the Southern Hemisphere. (1x1)

________________________________________________________________________________
2. Why is the Mozambique Channel usually ideal for the increase in temperature within the tropical cyclone.
(1x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. Explain how the intensity of the tropical cyclone increased as it moved from area A to area B. (2x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Discuss the conditions that could have caused the cyclone to weaken as it reached area C. (2x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

10
Activity 4 Match the descriptions with sketches A, B or C
Sept. 2021
1. Cirrus and cumulus clouds produce light rain. _____________
2. Column of low pressure develops in the centre. _____________
3. Latent heat is released from the cooling air. _____________
4. Towering cumulonimbus clouds are evident around the eye. _____________
5. Tropical cyclone reaches up to 100km in diameter. _____________
6. Pressure in the eye drops to below 1000hPa. _____________
7. Water evaporates from warm tropical oceans. _____________
8. Diameter of tropical cyclone extend up to 500 km. _____________ (8x1)

With reference to tropical cyclones, match the term in COLUMN B

Activity 5 with the description (COLUMN A)

Supp. 2021

11
 Air movement within
a tropical cyclone
(Southern Hemisphere)

Cross-section: tropical cyclone

 High humidity; high temp EYE  Weather similar to that of

 Calm, no wind approaching cyclone
 Pressure starts to fall
 Clear, no rain  Pressure starts to rise
 Temperature drops
 Lowest air pressure  Temperature drops
 Cirrus—cumulus—
cumulonimbus  Subsiding air  Cumulonimbus,
 Wind strengthens  Temp increases  Wind strong close to eye
and decreases outwards
 Torrential rain, hail
 Reversal of wind direction
 Thunder and lightening
 Rainfall decreases

EYEWALL:
The upward spiralling movement of air creates an artificial wall The wall of
around the centre. This prevents surface air from rising and cooling cumulonimbus
therefore no condensation occurs to produce clouds or rain. cloud that surround
the eye.

12
Air pressure

Temperature
Cross section
and weather
graph
Wind

The wind blows from the opposite direction as the second vortex passes
Wind reversal

L L

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

1st vortex: wind is S 1st vortex: wind is N
2nd vortex: wind is N 2nd vortex: wind is S
13
 Activity 6 Select the correct answer (QUESTIONS 1 - 10)

Direction

WEATHER 1ST VORTEX EYEWALL EYE EYEWALL 2ND VORTEXT

AIR PRESSURE 1. Rising / Falling Very low (below Rising but still low 2. Rising /
950hPa)
Falling Falling

TEMPERATURE 26°C 3. Drops / rises Rises to +28°C 26°C Normal

WIND SPEED 4. Increasing / Hurricane 5. Fast / Calm 6. Hurricane 7. Increasing /

Decreasing strength strength / Calm Decreasing

RAINFALL Light rain 8. Torrential / 9. No rain / 10. Torrential / Steady rain that
Light rain Heavy showers Light rain slowly clears

The subsiding air in the eye (HP—LP) warms up adiabatically:

Calm, no rain, increased temperatures

Activity 7 Nov. 2018

1. The (eye/vortex) at A is characterised by descending air.
2. The area at B is an area of (high / low) air pressure.
3. (Light / heavy) rainfall occurs at C.
4. The vertical movements of air at D are known as (up-draughts / down-draughts).
5. The upper air at E is (converging / diverging)
6. F is associated with (low / high) air pressure.
7. The graph (G) shows (pressure / temperature) with the passage of the tropical cyclone.
8. Surface (air temperature / wind speed) is depicted by graph H. (8x1)

14
 Study the Figure that contains information regarding
Activity 8 the weather conditions of a tropical cyclone. Nov. 2016
1. State the type of precipitation at A. ______________________________________________
2. State where the highest wind speed is recorded in the graph. __________________________
3. Name the cloud type that surrounds area B.________________________________________
4. Give the term that describes air movement towards B.________________________________
5. Give a reason for the air movement at B. __________________________________________
6. In which area does the tropical cyclone experience the lowest pressure?_________________
7. Why does air descend in area B?
__________________________________________________________________________
(7x1)

Impact of tropical cyclone on human

activities and the environment
 Effects may be short-term or long-term.

 Severe damage is caused by strong winds, heavy rainfall and high waves (storm surges).
 The impact of the damage caused by tropical cyclones in developed countries is different to
the impacts in developing countries. (Technology, prediction, evacuation, recovery etc.)

15
 Negative Impacts of Tropical Cyclones

Environment Economy Society

Example of a question (Sept. 2022)

Explain the negative economic impact of strong winds on the coastal infrastructure of Mozambique. (2x2)

16
 There are various ways in which the examiner presents the question regarding the
effects. Take a look at some of the examples below.

November 2017
1. Evaluate the impact of 800mm of rain being dumped (falling in large amounts) in the mountainous areas of
Taiwan. (2x2)
February 2018
2. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, outline the associated weather with the dangerous quadrant /
semi-circle and its likely impact on coastal areas. (4x2)
December 2019
3. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, suggest the negative impact that high wind speeds will have on
the coastal areas of Mozambique. (4x2)
November 2020
4. Evaluate the physical (natural) impact of tropical cyclones along the coastline of Mozambique. (2x2)
November 2022
5. How could storm surges negatively impact the physical environment on the East coast of Madagascar? (2x2)

Activity 9 Study the Figure that contains information about a

typhoon in Taiwan. Nov. 2017
1. Which sketch, A or B, shows the typhoon that struck Taiwan?_______________________________ (1x1)

2. Give ONE reason for your answer to QUESTION 1. (1x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
3. What evidence suggests that Taiwan experiences typhoons regularly? (1x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Why are people moved to safety at the approach of a typhoon? (1x2)
________________________________________________________________________________
5. Explain TWO factors that would have led to Meranti developing into a super (extremely strong) typhoon. (2x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

STRONGEST TYPHOON IN 21 YEARS HITS TAIWAN

Parts of Taiwan came to a standstill as super typhoon Meranti brought the strongest
winds in 21 years.
There were severe travel disruptions for the Mid-Autumn Festival long weekend, as
over 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled and trains running along
the east coast were halted.
The storm was forecast to have dumped as much as 800 mm of rain in mountainous
areas. Close to 1 500 people were evacuated from at-risk areas, with about half
placed in temporary shelters.

[Adapted from AFP, 15 September 2016]

17
Predicting and warning Land use planning

Strategies to prepare and manage the

effects of tropical cyclones.

Preparing the community Managing the loss

November 2021:
Suggest THREE strategies that could be put in place to reduce the devastating effects of a tropical
cyclone (Tropical Cyclone Eloise: Mozambique). (3x2)

18
Activity 10 The figure below is based on a case study of a
tropical cyclone that affected Southern Africa. Dec. 2019
1. Refer to the article. With what can you compare this intense tropical cyclone? (1x1)
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Name ONE condition that was necessary for the formation of tropical cyclone Idai. (1x1)
________________________________________________________________________________
3. Refer to the image and determine the expected wind speed with which tropical cyclone Idai will reach
the coast of Mozambique. (1x1)
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Why will the wind speed decrease as you move further from the eye? (1x2)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
5. Explain how the dangerous semi-circle of tropical cyclone Idai originated (developed). (1x2)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Tropical cyclone Idai has quickly strength-

ened into an intense tropical cyclone and has
been fluctuating (changing) in intensity over
the past 48 hours. An intense tropical cyclone
is equivalent to a category 3 hurricane.
Idai is slowly moving in a westerly direction
towards Mozambique with wind speeds ex-
ceeding 170 km/h closer to the eye.
It is expected to reach the coastal area near
Beira, Mozambique's fourth largest city with
530 000 residents, before midnight on Thurs-

19
 Activity 11 Feb. 2018
Refer to the FIGURE showing the path of a tropical cyclone

1. In which general direction do tropical cyclones move? (1x1)

________________________________________________________________________________
2. What evidence suggests that this tropical cyclone is found in the Southern Hemisphere? (2x1)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. What causes the dangerous quadrant / semi-circle to form? (1x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Give ONE reason for the possible re-curvature (change of direction) of a tropical cyclone. (1x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
5. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, outline the associated weather with the dangerous quadrant /
semi-circle and its likely impact on coastal areas. (4x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Equator

20
 Activity 12 Nov. 2022
Refer to the infographic below on Tropical Cyclone Batsirai.
1. Give the date on which Tropical Cyclone Batsirai reached the mature stage. (1x1)
________________________________________________________________________________
2. According to the infographic, Tropical Cyclone Batsirai moved westward across the South Indian Ocean. Give
ONE reason for this movement. (1x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. Suggest TWO reasons for the large decrease in wind speed between 20 and 25 February 2022. (2x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Questions 4 and 5 are on pages 16 and 18 respectively.

21
 Activity 13 Feb. 2019
Choose the correct word (s) from those given in brackets to make the statements TRUE.

1. Cloud A is a (cumulous/ cumulonimbus) cloud.

2. The updrafts at B are caused by (convection / advection) currents.
3. The area C is named the (eye / eye wall).
4. The atmospheric condition experienced at C is (stable / unstable).
5. D indicates an area of (divergence / convergence).
6. E will experience (light rain / thunderstorms).
D D
7. Ocean F is likely to be (warm / cold).
(7x1)

Activity 14
Refer to the INFOGRAPHIC on the following page.
Dec. 2021
1. Give ONE piece of evidence in the infographic that the tropical cyclone is in the Southern Hemisphere. (1x1)

________________________________________________________________________________
2. State TWO weather conditions associated with tropical cyclones indicated in the infographic. (2x1)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. Give ONE reason for the decrease in wind speed from 19 January to 20 January 2021. (1x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Account for the increase in wind speed of Tropical Cyclone Eloise from 20 January to 22 January 2021. (2x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
5. According to the infographic the negative impact of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was devastating. Suggest THREE
strategies that could be put in place to reduce this impact. (3x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

22
Activity 15 Tabulate the differences between a tropical and mid-latitude cyclone

Tropical Cyclone Mid-Latitude Cyclone

Direction of movement

Wind Belt

Originates (latitude)

Size

When

Impact

Duration

23
 Activity 16 Sept. 2022
1. How does the name of the tropical cyclone suggest that it was the first of the 2021 / 2022 tropical cyclone
season? (1x1)

________________________________________________________________________________
2. State ONE island listed in the article that would be affected by the tropical cyclone. (1x1)

________________________________________________________________________________
3. Why are these islands effected by a tropical cyclone? (1x1)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. How does latent heat intensify (strengthen) the tropical cyclone? (2x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
5. Account for the tropical cyclone tracking in an easterly direction. (2x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
6. Explain the negative economic impact of strong winds on the coastal infrastructure of Mozambique. (2x2)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

24