SCIENCE 8
LESSON 2-UNDERSTANDING TYPHOONS
Read Lesson 2 pp 137-151.Copy and Answer the following on your notebook:
1. What storms brought terrible floods in the Philippines?
2. Give the meaning of: PAGASA, PAR, PSWS
3. What is a typhoon? What are other terms used for typhoon? Give their meaning.
4. What are the tropical cyclones categories? Show their differences in a table (Category,
Meaning, Maximum speed)
5. How is a typhoon formed?
6. What are the different parts of typhoon? Describe each.
7. What are the classification of typhoon?
8. Give: Meaning, things that might happen and what to do in different PSWS #
Answer (1)
Answer:1. Storms that brought terrible floods in the Philippines:Answer: The Philippines is frequently hit by tropical storms and typhoons, leading to devastating floods. Some notable storms that caused significant flooding include: - Typhoon Winnie This storm, though relatively weak, caused the most damage among a series of storms that struck the Philippines in late 2004. It resulted in over 1200 deaths and missing persons due to heavy rainfall. - Tropical Storm Thelma This storm brought heavy rains to Leyte Island, triggering flash floods that swept away people, homes, and vehicles in Ormoc City, causing over 100 deaths. - Typhoon Bopha This powerful typhoon flattened homes and triggered flash floods in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces, resulting in nearly 900 deaths. 2. Meaning of PAGASA, PAR, PSWS: Answer: - PAGASA: Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. This is the national meteorological and hydrological services agency of the Philippines responsible for monitoring and forecting weather conditions, including typhoons. - PAR: Philippine Area of Responsibility. This is the designated area in the northwest Pacific Ocean where PAGASA monitors and issues warnings for tropical cyclones that may affect the Philippines.- PSWS: Public Storm Warning Signal. This system is used by PAGASA to communicate the severity of a typhoon's potential impact on different areas of the Philippines. Each PSWS level corresponds to specific wind speeds and potential hazards. 3. What is a typhoon? Other terms and their meaning:Answer: A typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. Other terms used for typhoons, depending on their location, include:4. Tropical Cyclone Categories and their differences: Answer: category: tropical depression (TD)MEANING: weakest category with winds less than 62 km/h.MAXIMUM SPEED: < 62CATEGORY: tropical Storm (TS)MEANING: winds between 63 and 87 Km/hMAXIMUM SPEED: 63 - 87CATEGORY: severe tropical storm (STS)MEANING: winds between 88 and 177 km/hMAXIMUM SPEED: 88-177CATEGORY: typhoon (T) MEANING: strongest category with winds of 188 km/h or higher MAXIMUM SPEED: ≥ 188CATEGORY: Super typhoon (superT)MEANING: extremely powerful typhoon with winds of 185 km/h or higher.MAXIMUM SPEED: ≥ 185 5. How is a typhoon formed? Typhoons form over warm ocean waters near the equator. Here's a step-by-step explanation: 1. Warm Ocean Water: Warm ocean water provides the necessary heat and moisture for a tropical cyclone to develop.2. Low Pressure Area: As warm, moist air rises, it leaves behind an area of low pressure. 3. Converging Winds: Surrounding air flows into the low-pressure area, creating a rotating system. 4. Coriolis Effect: The Earth's rotation causes the rotating system to spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. 5. Intensification: As the storm gathers more moisture and heat, it intensifies, forming a typhoon. 6. Different parts of a typhoon and their descriptions: - Eye The calm, clear center of the typhoon. It is characterized by low wind speeds and little to no rain.- Eye Wall: The ring of thunderstorms surrounding the eye. It is the area of strongest winds and heaviest rainfall. - Spiral Rain Bands: Bands of thunderstorms that spiral outward from the eye wall. They can bring heavy rain and strong winds. 7. Classification of typhoons:answer:Typhoons are classified based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. The classification system used by PAGASA is similar to the one used internationally 8. PSWS levels, meaning, potential hazards, and what to do: PSWS Level Meaning Potential Hazards What to do PSWS #1 Strong winds (30-60 km/h) are expected within 36 hours. Light to moderate damage to structures, downed trees, power outages. Secure loose objects, prepare emergency kits, monitor weather updates. PSWS #2 Strong winds (61-120 km/h) are expected within 24 hours. Moderate to heavy damage to structures, widespread power outages, flooding in low-lying areas. Evacuate from vulnerable areas, secure homes, prepare for possible power outages. PSWS #3 Very strong winds (121-170 km/h) are expected within 18 hours. Heavy to very heavy damage to structures, widespread power outages, flooding in low-lying areas, landslides. Evacuate from vulnerable areas, secure homes, prepare for prolonged power outages, monitor weather updates. PSWS #4 Destructive winds (171 km/h or higher) are expected within 12 hours. Very heavy to catastrophic damage to structures, widespread power outages, flooding in low-lying areas, landslides, storm surge. Evacuate from vulnerable areas, secure homes, prepare for extended power outages, follow instructions from authorities.
