AQA A-level Geography · 3.1.5

Storm hazards

50 exam-style questions with answers for 3.1.5 Storm hazards in AQA A-level Geography (spec 7037). Practise with flashcards, a topic quiz, a random quiz across the course, 5 crosswords, or read every question and answer below. Not official AQA material.

All 50 questions and answers

Question 1 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Nature of tropical storms
Describe the conditions needed for a tropical storm to form. [4 marks]
Answer:
Sea surface temperature of at least 26.5 °C to a depth of about 50 m (1); a location between about 5° and 30° north or south of the equator (1); a pre-existing area of low pressure and low wind shear (1); the Coriolis force, which makes the storm spin (1).
Question 2 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Nature of tropical storms
Explain why tropical storms do not form on the equator. [2 marks]
Answer:
The Coriolis force is too weak (1); so the rising air cannot develop the rotation needed to form a storm (1).
Question 3 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Nature of tropical storms
Explain how a tropical storm develops. [4 marks]
Answer:
Warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface (1); the water vapour condenses, forming tall storm clouds and releasing latent heat (1); this heat powers stronger uplift, drawing in more air at the surface and creating low pressure (1); the Coriolis force makes the system spin, and strong winds develop around a calm eye (1).
Question 4 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Nature of tropical storms
Describe the structure of a tropical storm. [4 marks]
Answer:
The eye is a calm area at the centre where air descends (1); the eyewall around the eye has the strongest winds and heaviest rain (1); spiral rainbands of cloud extend outwards (1); the storm is typically 200–1,000 km across (1).
Question 5 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Nature of tropical storms
Explain why tropical storms weaken when they move over land or cold water. [2 marks]
Answer:
They lose their supply of warm, moist air that provides energy (1); friction over land slows the winds, and the storm breaks up (1).
Question 6 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Nature of tropical storms
Distinguish between a hurricane, a typhoon and a cyclone. [2 marks]
Answer:
They are the same type of storm with different names according to where they occur (1); hurricanes are in the Atlantic and north-east Pacific, typhoons in the north-west Pacific, and cyclones in the Indian Ocean and south Pacific (1).
Question 7 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Nature of tropical storms
Describe the Saffir-Simpson scale. [2 marks]
Answer:
It classifies hurricanes from category 1 to category 5 (1); based on sustained wind speed, with category 5 above about 250 km/h (1).
Question 8 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Distribution and frequency
Describe the global distribution of tropical storms. [3 marks]
Answer:
They form over tropical oceans, between about 5° and 30° north and south of the equator (1); the main regions are the north-west Pacific, north Atlantic, north-east Pacific, and the Indian Ocean (1); there are almost none in the south Atlantic and south-east Pacific, which are too cool (1).
Question 9 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Distribution and frequency
Explain the seasonal pattern of tropical storms. [2 marks]
Answer:
They occur in late summer and autumn when sea temperatures are highest (1); in the Atlantic the season runs from June to November, with a peak in September (1).
Question 10 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Distribution and frequency
Explain why tropical storms usually travel westwards at first and then curve towards higher latitudes. [3 marks]
Answer:
Trade winds blow from east to west in the tropics (1); the Coriolis force bends the path poleward (1); at higher latitudes, westerly winds steer the storm eastwards (1).
Question 11 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Distribution and frequency
Explain the relationship between magnitude and frequency of tropical storms. [2 marks]
Answer:
Weaker storms are more frequent (1); category 4 and 5 storms are fewer, but they cause the greatest damage (1).
Question 12 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Distribution and frequency
Explain how climate change may affect tropical storms. [3 marks]
Answer:
Warmer oceans provide more energy, so storms may become more intense (1); warmer air holds more water vapour, so rainfall is heavier (1); sea level rise increases the height of storm surges and the risk of flooding (1).
Question 13 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Forms of hazard
Explain what is meant by a storm surge. [3 marks]
Answer:
A rise in sea level above the normal tide, caused by a tropical storm (1); low air pressure allows the sea surface to rise, and strong winds push water onto the coast (1); it is most dangerous at high tide and in shallow, funnel-shaped bays (1).
Question 14 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Forms of hazard
Explain why storm surges are often the greatest cause of death in tropical storms. [2 marks]
Answer:
They arrive suddenly and flood low-lying coasts, which are often densely populated (1); they sweep away buildings and people, and give little time to escape (1).
Question 15 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Forms of hazard
Describe the hazards caused by high winds. [3 marks]
Answer:
Roofs are torn off and buildings collapse (1); flying debris injures people and damages property (1); power lines, trees and crops are destroyed (1).
Question 16 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Forms of hazard
Explain how tropical storms cause river flooding. [2 marks]
Answer:
Intense rainfall over several days falls on land that becomes saturated (1); rivers rise rapidly and burst their banks, flooding settlements and farmland far inland (1).
Question 17 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Forms of hazard
Explain how tropical storms trigger landslides. [2 marks]
Answer:
Heavy rain saturates soil on steep slopes (1); the soil loses strength and flows downhill, burying homes, particularly in areas where trees have been cut down (1).
Question 18 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Prediction
Describe how tropical storms are monitored and forecast. [4 marks]
Answer:
Satellites track cloud patterns and storm movement (1); aircraft fly into storms to measure pressure and wind speed (1); ocean buoys record sea temperatures and waves (1); computer models forecast the track and strength of the storm (1).
Question 19 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Prediction
Explain why the path of a tropical storm is easier to forecast than its intensity. [2 marks]
Answer:
Paths are mainly steered by large-scale winds, which can be modelled (1); intensity depends on small-scale changes in ocean heat and wind shear, and can change rapidly (1).
Question 20 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Prediction
Explain why tropical storms are more predictable than earthquakes. [2 marks]
Answer:
Storms develop over days and can be tracked by satellite (1); earthquakes strike without reliable warning (1).
Question 21 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Impacts
Distinguish between primary and secondary impacts of tropical storms. [4 marks]
Answer:
Primary impacts are caused directly by wind, surge and rain, such as deaths and destroyed buildings (1); and flooded land (1); secondary impacts follow later, such as disease from contaminated water (1); and loss of income, food shortages and displacement (1).
Question 22 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Impacts
Describe the social and economic impacts of tropical storms. [4 marks]
Answer:
Deaths, injuries and displacement of people (1); damage to homes, schools and hospitals (1); loss of businesses, jobs and farm income (1); costs of repairing infrastructure and insurance claims (1).
Question 23 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Impacts
Describe the environmental and political impacts of tropical storms. [4 marks]
Answer:
Coastal habitats, such as coral reefs and mangroves, are damaged (1); salt water pollutes soils and fresh water (1); governments are criticised for poor preparation or slow response (1); money is diverted from other services to recovery (1).
Question 24 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Responses
Describe the short-term responses to a tropical storm. [3 marks]
Answer:
Warnings and evacuation of people from coastal areas (1); emergency shelters, food, clean water and medical care (1); search and rescue and clearing roads to allow access (1).
Question 25 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Responses
Describe the long-term responses to a tropical storm. [3 marks]
Answer:
Rebuild homes and infrastructure to higher standards (1); improve defences and early warning systems (1); restore livelihoods through grants, loans and training (1).
Question 26 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Responses
Explain how preparedness reduces the impact of tropical storms. [3 marks]
Answer:
Early warnings and evacuation plans allow people to move to safety (1); cyclone shelters and emergency supplies are ready before the storm (1); education and drills teach people what to do (1).
Question 27 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Responses
Explain how mitigation reduces the impact of tropical storms. [3 marks]
Answer:
Sea walls, levees and storm surge barriers protect coasts (1); mangroves and coastal wetlands absorb wave energy (1); homes on stilts and storm-resistant roofs reduce damage (1).
Question 28 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Responses
Explain why tropical storms cannot be prevented. [2 marks]
Answer:
They draw on enormous amounts of energy from warm oceans, so they cannot be stopped or steered (1); attempts to weaken them have not worked, so only the impacts can be reduced (1).
Question 29 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Responses
Explain how land-use planning reduces the risk from tropical storms. [2 marks]
Answer:
Building is restricted on low-lying coasts and floodplains at highest risk (1); key services such as hospitals are sited on higher ground (1).
Question 30 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Responses
Describe how Bangladesh has reduced deaths from cyclones. [3 marks]
Answer:
Thousands of cyclone shelters have been built (1); the Cyclone Preparedness Programme uses trained volunteers to warn and evacuate people (1); coastal embankments have been built and mangroves planted (1).
Question 31 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Responses
Explain how insurance and international aid help with recovery from tropical storms. [3 marks]
Answer:
Insurance pays for repairs in richer areas (1); poorer areas depend on aid, which provides immediate relief (1); aid also funds long-term rebuilding, but it can be slow (1).
Question 32 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines, 2013: describe the nature of the storm. [3 marks]
Answer:
A category 5 typhoon that struck on 8 November 2013 (1); sustained winds of about 300 km/h were among the strongest recorded at landfall (1); a storm surge several metres high flooded Tacloban and other coastal towns (1).
Question 33 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines, 2013: describe the impacts. [4 marks]
Answer:
About 6,300 people were killed (1); over four million people were displaced (1); more than a million homes were damaged or destroyed (1); farming, fishing and coconut crops were destroyed, and roads and airports were cut off (1).
Question 34 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines, 2013: describe the responses. [3 marks]
Answer:
The government evacuated people, but many did not understand the warning about the storm surge (1); international aid delivered food, water and medicine, though roads were blocked and distribution was slow (1); long-term recovery included building back homes further from the coast and rebuilding fishing boats (1).
Question 35 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Hurricane Katrina, USA, 2005: describe the nature of the storm and its impacts. [4 marks]
Answer:
A category 3 hurricane when it made landfall in August 2005 (1); a storm surge overwhelmed the levees in New Orleans, flooding about 80% of the city (1); about 1,800 people died, and hundreds of thousands were displaced (1); damage cost about $125 billion (1).
Question 36 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Hurricane Katrina, USA, 2005: explain why the impacts were so severe for a rich country. [3 marks]
Answer:
Much of New Orleans lies below sea level and relied on levees that failed (1); poorer residents had no cars or money to evacuate (1); the emergency response by the federal government was slow and poorly co-ordinated (1).
Question 37 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Hurricane Katrina, USA, 2005: describe the responses. [3 marks]
Answer:
A mandatory evacuation was ordered, but not everyone could leave (1); the National Guard, rescue services and aid agencies were sent in (1); the levee system was rebuilt and strengthened, at a cost of billions of dollars (1).
Question 38 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Cyclone Idai, Mozambique, 2019: describe the nature of the storm and its impacts. [4 marks]
Answer:
Idai made landfall near Beira in March 2019 as a powerful cyclone (1); storm surge and torrential rain caused widespread flooding in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi (1); more than 1,300 people died (1); most of Beira was damaged, and crops were destroyed (1).
Question 39 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Cyclone Idai, Mozambique, 2019: describe the responses and the problems. [3 marks]
Answer:
International aid agencies and military teams delivered food, water and medicine (1); roads and bridges were destroyed, so rescue was by boat and helicopter (1); cholera spread because water supplies were contaminated, and rebuilding depended on aid and loans (1).
Question 40 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Compare the impacts of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. [4 marks]
Answer:
Haiyan killed more people (about 6,300 compared with about 1,800) (1); Katrina caused far greater economic cost (1); Haiyan displaced millions in a poorer country with many weak buildings (1); the USA had resources to rebuild, while the Philippines relied heavily on aid (1).
Question 41 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Explain why the impacts of tropical storms differ between rich and poor countries. [4 marks]
Answer:
Wealthier countries have stronger buildings, defences and warning systems (1); they have better emergency services and can evacuate more people (1); poorer countries have more informal housing and lower capacity to cope (1); insurance in rich countries speeds up recovery, while poorer countries rely on aid (1).
Question 42 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Explain why storm surge warnings are difficult to communicate effectively. [2 marks]
Answer:
People may not understand the danger of the water rising, as in Haiyan (1); warnings can fail to reach people in poor areas, or not be trusted if earlier warnings were false alarms (1).
Question 43 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Explain why the number of deaths from tropical storms has fallen in many places even though the cost of damage has risen. [3 marks]
Answer:
Better forecasting and warnings allow evacuation (1); shelters and defences protect people (1); more property and wealth are exposed in coastal areas, so the cost of damage is higher (1).
Question 44 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Describe the causes of the high number of deaths in Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar in 2008. [3 marks]
Answer:
The storm surge flooded the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta (1); there were few shelters or defences, and the delta was densely populated (1); warnings were limited, and the government slowed the entry of foreign aid (1).
Question 45 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Evaluate the success of evacuation as a response to a tropical storm. [3 marks]
Answer:
Evacuation saves large numbers of lives when it is timely (1); it can fail if people cannot afford to leave, do not trust warnings or have nowhere to go (1); it is expensive and disruptive, and can cause deaths on crowded roads (1).
Question 46 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Hurricane Harvey, USA, 2017: explain why it caused such extensive flooding. [3 marks]
Answer:
The storm stalled over south-east Texas for several days (1); it dropped more than a metre of rain in places (1); concrete surfaces and urban sprawl in Houston reduced infiltration, which increased flooding (1).
Question 47 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Recent events
Explain why coastal cities in rapidly developing countries are at particular risk from tropical storms. [3 marks]
Answer:
Rapid urbanisation has led to informal settlements on low-lying land (1); mangroves and wetlands that provide protection have been cleared (1); defences and services have not kept pace with population growth (1).
Question 48 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Impacts
Explain why tropical storm impacts can last for years. [2 marks]
Answer:
Destroyed homes, farms and businesses take years to rebuild, especially in poorer countries (1); disease, loss of income and debt hold back development (1).
Question 49 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Impacts
Describe the benefits that rainfall from tropical storms can bring. [2 marks]
Answer:
They bring water that fills reservoirs and rivers (1); they can end droughts and support farming (1).
Question 50 · Spec 3.1.5.5 · Impacts
Explain how coral reefs and mangroves protect coasts from tropical storms. [3 marks]
Answer:
Reefs break waves offshore (1); mangroves slow waves and winds, absorb wave energy and trap sediment (1); both reduce erosion and storm surge flooding, so loss of either increases risk (1).

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