Climatic hazards prediction and prevention essays

Climatic hazards prediction and prevention essays Hazard prediction and prevention is the key to lifting the threat off climatic hazards. Discuss this statement with reference to case studies. Climatic hazards are a result of cyclonic activity. A tropical cyclone is a system of intense low pressure known locally as hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones. They develop: Between latitudes 5 degrees and 20 degrees north or south of the equator. This knowledge helps the areas at risk prepare for the possibility of a tropical cyclone. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone, which generally forms in the Atlantic and is accompanied by thunderstorms and a counterclockwise circulation of winds. Hurricanes are strong winds that exert a pressure of at least 70kg/m . The wind speed causes both pressure and suction forces. Pressure increases with wind speed. This pressure is worsened by wind gustiness, which can cause fatigue in building materials that would withstand steady stress. Diagram of a hurricane/ tropical cyclone. Storm surges which can increase the mean water level 15ft or more. Inland flooding responsible for half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones. High winds Hurricane force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Wind direction can affect damage rates. Wind blown debris adds to the destructive potential of the wind. Flying debris can cause deaths and damage. Strong winds also spread fires that start from induced damage and destruction. Longer periods of wind stress are more likely to cause failure of structures. Tornadoes columns of rapidly rotating air touching the ground, add to the hurricanes destructive power. Some examples regarding rainfall damage and fatalities follow. Hurricane Camille (1969), which made landfall in Mississippi, 30 inches of rain fell in 6 hours in the Blue Ridge Mountains, triggering flash floods and mudslides th...