Typhoon | Grade 8 Science DepEd MELC Quarter 2 Module 3

Summary

This video explains typhoons, their formation, and impact on the Philippines. It clarifies that typhoons, hurricanes, and cyclones are the same tropical storms named differently by region. The script discusses how they form over warm ocean waters, influenced by the Coriolis effect, and are named for easy identification. It also covers the factors necessary for typhoon development and the role of the monsoon trough. Safety measures before, during, and after a typhoon are highlighted, emphasizing preparation and caution.

Takeaways

• 🌀 Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons are all tropical storms, differentiated by their geographical location.
• 🗺️ Tropical storms rarely cross the equator due to the Coriolis effect, which influences their path based on Earth's rotation.
• 🌪️ Typhoons are named for easy identification and are named in alphabetical order, with names of particularly destructive storms retired.
• 🌡️ Typhoons form over warm ocean waters and require specific atmospheric conditions such as low atmospheric stability and sufficient Coriolis force.
• 💧 The process of latent heat of condensation, where water evaporates and condenses, is a key heat engine in typhoon formation.
• 🌍 The Western Pacific is the most active area for typhoon formation, which is why the Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually.
• 🏞️ Landforms like the Sierra Madre mountain range in the Philippines can weaken typhoons by forcing vertical air currents.
• ⏰ Predicting typhoons is possible, allowing for preparation and safety measures to be taken before landfall.
• 🏠 Safety measures for typhoons include inspecting homes, preparing emergency kits, and following guidelines during and after the storm to prevent accidents.
• 🚫 Avoiding flood waters and reporting damaged electric cables are crucial post-typhoon actions to prevent disease and electrical accidents.
• 🌿 Preventing mosquito breeding by emptying stagnant water is important to avoid diseases like dengue fever in the aftermath of a typhoon.

Q & A

What is the difference between a typhoon, a hurricane, and a cyclone?

They are all types of tropical storms that are essentially the same phenomenon but are named differently depending on their location: hurricanes form over the North Atlantic Ocean and northeast Pacific, cyclones over the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, and typhoons over the northwest Pacific Ocean.

Why do tropical storms not cross the equator?

Tropical storms do not cross the equator due to the Coriolis effect, which causes them to arc away from the equator. The Earth's rotation influences their path, as the speed of the Earth's rotation varies from the equator to the poles.

Why are typhoons named?

Typhoons are named to facilitate quick identification, as they can last a long time. They are named in alphabetical order, starting with 'A' for the first storm of the year, and names are not reused for storms that cause significant damage.

What is the role of the Coriolis effect in typhoon formation?

The Coriolis effect influences the path of tropical storms by causing the air to veer due to the Earth's rotation. It is responsible for the storms' curved trajectory away from the equator.

What conditions are necessary for a typhoon to form?

Several atmospheric conditions must be met for a typhoon to form, including a pre-existing low-level focus or disturbance, warm ocean water, low atmospheric stability, sufficient Coriolis force, humid mid-atmosphere, and upper atmosphere divergence.

How does the monsoon trough contribute to typhoon formation?

The monsoon trough, an extension of the intertropical convergence zone, is a common mechanism for typhoon development. It provides a zone of wind convergence that can lead to the formation of cyclonic spin.

What are the most and least active typhoon formation basins?

The western Pacific is the most active typhoon formation basin, while the northern Indian Ocean, or the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, is the least active.

Why does the Philippines experience an average of 20 typhoons per year?

The Philippines is located on the western Pacific, which is the most active typhoon formation basin, hence it experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually.

How do landforms affect the strength of typhoons?

Landforms, such as mountain ranges, can weaken typhoons as they force the vertical ascent of air, resulting in heavy rainfall. In the Philippines, the Sierra Madre mountain ranges act as a typhoon barrier.

What safety measures should be taken before a typhoon?

Before a typhoon, one should inspect their house for cracks and leaks, prepare an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and communication devices, and consider evacuating if the house is not sturdy enough.

What should one do during a typhoon?

During a typhoon, it's crucial to stay indoors, avoid going outside, use alternative light sources, turn off the main power switch, and keep valuable items on high ground to prevent damage from potential flooding.

What are the recommended actions after a typhoon has passed?

After a typhoon, check on family and neighbors for injuries, report missing individuals, boil water for 20 minutes before drinking, avoid entering destroyed structures until it's safe, and report damage to authorities to prevent further accidents.