The Effect of Climate Change on Tropical Storms
Geography: AQA GCSE, topic 1.3.10
The Effects of Climate Change on Storms
Climate change is likely to affect the distribution, frequency and intensity of tropical storms.
Distribution
- Climate change is expected to lead to increases in temperatures.
- Currently, most tropical storms happen close to the equator, where the sea temperature is above 26.5oC.
- More of Earth's seas will be warmer than 26.5oC, so there will be more storms and those that happen will have more energy.
Frequency
- Oceans will be warmer than 26.5oC, so the frequency of storms will rise and storm/hurricane/cyclone season will get longer.
- The number of storms varies a lot, but warmer seas will lead to more storms.
Intensity
- The higher the temperatures of the oceans, the more energy tropical storms will accumulate, the greater the intensity of the storm.
- More intense storms will cause more damage to buildings, infrastructure, and people.
Test yourself on The Effect of Climate Change on Tropical Storms
At what ocean temperatures do tropical storms develop?
What aspect of tropical storms will not be affected by climate change?