Cav's geography homework 2.5

1 What are tropical cyclones?
 Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure systems that form over warm oceans.

2 Where do tropical cyclones occur?

Tropical cyclones form over the northern areas of Australia in the months from November to April.

3 Name the areas of Australia most at risk from tropical cyclones.
 North Queensland, the Northern Territory and some parts north of western Australia.

4 How many tropical cyclones are expected to cross the Australian coastline each year?
 Only six of the ten tropical cyclones that form each year cross Australia's coastline.

5 What are some other names for tropical cyclones?
Some other names are typhoons and hurricanes.
6 Complete the passage below.
Word bank: high, moist, surface, tropical, spiral, heat
Tropical cyclones develop in the tropical regions of the world. Heat from the sun causes warm, moist air to
rise into the atmosphere. As the air rises, a low pressure system forms and condensation occurs, which releases latent heat causing the air to rise further into the atmosphere. If the air pressure in the upper atmosphere is high then the rising column of warm air will spiral outwards in the upper atmosphere and
air will rush from the surface to replace it, forming a tropical cyclone.
7 What is the eye of a tropical cyclone?
It is the very center of the cyclone and it is what the rest of the cyclone circulates around. Inside the eye are clear, calm skies whilst outside is a raging inferno of wind.
9 What causes a tropical cyclone to be downgraded to a tropical storm?
When cyclones travel inland they lose their source of energy, the tropical moist air is no longer present and the cyclone tends to disperse and lose energy, thus being downgraded o a tropical storm.