Tropical Cyclone Essay Example
Tropical Cyclone Essay Example

Tropical Cyclone Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (458 words)
  • Published: June 19, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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One type of natural disaster regularly experienced in Australia is a tropical cyclone, also known as typhoons, hurricanes, and tropical storms. These events are comparable to a whirlpool based on climatological data.

To form a tropical cyclone, certain requirements must be met. These include developing over an ocean surface with a temperature greater than 26 degrees Celsius, having high humidity in the atmosphere (typically between 5 and 30 percent), and most crucially, an unstable atmospheric state featuring a low-pressure system.

A low pressure area can lead to the formation of a vortex called the eye of the cyclone, which causes air to circulate around it and results in a cyclone due to movement from high pressure to low pressure. If this continues, it can escalate into a dangerous severe tropical cyclone that causes extensive damage. Cyclones are categorized base

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d on their wind speed and classified as either tropical or severe tropical, with a total of five categories.

As the wind speed of a tropical cyclone increases, it becomes more destructive and can escalate into a catastrophe. The severity of the cyclone is determined by its wind speed, with categories ranging from less than 125km/h (classified as a tropical cyclone and posing a risk) to severe tropical cyclones at 170-224km/h, 225-279km/h or over 280km/h. Mature tropical cyclones falling under the severe classification can be extremely dangerous and may cause fatal flooding. Although some hazard cyclones are not perilous, Australia has lost over 2100 lives due to tropical cyclones since 1839, resulting in high annual destruction costs.

Tracy, a cyclone, is infamous as the most devastating storm in Australia's history. Darwin was struck by the cyclone in 1974, and the cit

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was almost entirely destroyed by Tracy. The storm caused 65 fatalities, with 49 in Darwin and 16 at sea. The city took almost two years to recover from the disaster. Another dreadful cyclone named Larry occurred in 2006, however, no fatalities were recorded but the damage it caused cost almost half a million dollars.

We cannot prevent hazards or disasters, but we are capable of minimizing the damages, deaths, and injuries caused by them. The Bureau of Meteorology has the ability to detect when and where cyclones will occur, and a warning system which operates as a weather predictor. They can anticipate cyclonic wind speeds and announce potential affected areas. To prepare for potential issues during cyclone season, it is important to make necessary arrangements beforehand. Some stations also have local personnel on standby 24 hours a day.

A recommendation for cyclone preparedness is to have access to reliable information through a radio, ideally a portable battery-powered one in case of power disruption. It is also advisable to stock up on non-perishable food items such as biscuits and chocolate, as well as water.

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