Tropical Low Pressure Systems are intense low pressure systems with closed circulation also known as hurricanes, typhoons or cyclones. They form over warm ocean waters and have diameters between 200-650km. They contain an eye that is calm at the center surrounded by an eyewall with the strongest winds and thunderstorms. For a disturbance to develop into a full storm, it needs warm ocean waters, atmospheric disturbances, and conditions that allow the transfer of heat away from the storm.

1. Tropical Low Pressure Systems

3. Hurricane Mitch (visible)

7. So how does a tropical disturbance develop into a full blown cyclone, hurricane or typhoon?

9. The Role of Latent Heat

10. Spatial Distribution (Where?)

14. Why do hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones decay and die? Under what conditions will this take place?

15. Real Hurricanes Hurricane Mitch (visible) Hurricane Mitch (infrared) Hurricane Georges (radar)

16. What hazards are associated with tropical low pressure systems

18. How do humans respond to the hazard? How can the hazard be managed?

19. Modifying Vulnerability vs. Modifying the Event

21. Satellite Image Cyclone Sidr, Bay of Bengal. November 2007

22. Radar Image Radar image of Hurricane Katrina, August 2005

23. Aircraft Reconnaissance

30. Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Human Response – Case Studies Bangladesh Katrina