Disaster Management · M2 · papers

Cyclone questions

Solved M2 questions

2-mark and 3-mark practice · full answers below each question

Practice question. Explain the formation of a tropical cyclone. [3 practice marks]

Answer

  1. Warm ocean water supplies moist air; the air rises and condensation releases heat.
  2. The low-pressure system draws in more air, which rotates under the Coriolis effect.
  3. When atmospheric conditions remain favourable, organised thunderstorms intensify around the centre, forming a mature cyclone that may contain an eye and eyewall.

Practice question. Describe the three major destructive effects of cyclones. [3 practice marks]

Answer

  1. Strong winds: damage roofs and lifelines and produce dangerous flying debris.
  2. Heavy rainfall: causes river and urban flooding and can destabilise slopes.
  3. Storm surge: raises coastal water levels, inundates settlements and contaminates freshwater and farmland with salt water.

Practice question. List the four stages of cyclone warning with their lead times. [3 practice marks]

Answer

  1. Pre-cyclone watch: about 72 hours before adverse weather.
  2. Cyclone alert: about 48 hours before adverse weather.
  3. Cyclone warning: about 24 hours before adverse weather.
  4. Post-landfall outlook: about 12 hours before landfall, describing likely inland effects after crossing.

Practice question. Explain three cyclone mitigation and preparedness measures. [3 practice marks]

Answer

  1. Resilient construction and land use: build to suitable wind-resistant standards and avoid high-risk surge zones.
  2. Shelters and evacuation: provide accessible shelters, safe roads and rehearsed transport arrangements.
  3. Warnings and community readiness: communicate official forecasts clearly and train volunteers and residents to act in time.