Topic Summaries

Reducing risks of tropical storms

IGCSE > Geography > CIE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Responding to tropical storms > Reducing risks of tropical storms
Previous Module
Next Module

Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Tropical storm hazards

Responding to tropical storms

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Water supply

Energy supply

  • Prediction:
    • Satellite data: tracks early signs of cyclonic activity over warm ocean waters to identify potential storm formation days in advance.
    • Supercomputers and weather models: simulate storm paths and strength, combining historical data with current atmospheric conditions. 
    • Real-time data collection: for example, NASA uses two Global Hawk drones to monitor weather across the Atlantic.
    • Early warning systems: alert people to evacuate safely, reducing casualties and allowing for time to prepare 
  • Monitoring:
    • Real-time satellites: provide continuous visual and infrared imagery. This can detect storm movement, eye formation, cloud structure, and rainfall patterns once storms have formed.
    • Radar systems: detect storm position and rainfall intensity as storms approach land. For example, ground-based Doppler radar helps local agencies track storms hour-by-hour.
    • Weather buoys and ocean sensors: collect sea-level pressure and temperature data, providing crucial information on storm surges and cyclone development.
  • Planning: 
    • Land use zoning: governments restrict buildings from being constructed in high-risk areas (e.g. low-lying coastal zones).
    • Evacuation routes: clear evacuation routes to shelters are signposted and maintained for a safe escape during storms. 
    • Community preparedness: Red Cross educates people on the best ways to respond to tropical storms to prevent injury and loss of life.
    • Insurance and disaster funding schemes: helps communities recover financially after storm damage and receive aid to access food, water, medicine, and other essentials
  • Protection:
    • Storm-resistant building design: houses built on stilts to allow floodwater to pass underneath.
    • High sea walls and storm barriers: protect coastal areas from storm surges.
    • Levees and embankments: reduce the risk of flooding. 
    • Mangrove and wetland conservation: natural barriers absorb wave energy and reduce risks of flooding from storms and tsunamis.

Unlock Reducing risks of tropical storms

Subscribe to SnapRevise+ to get immediate access to the rest of this resource.

Premium accounts get immediate access to this resource.

Previous Module
Next Module