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Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography A (1GA0) · Spec 2.5 and 2.6

Tropical cyclones

Read the notes, then try the questions. Each one is marked the moment you press Check, and shows the right answer and why.

Key ideas

  • Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean (about 27 degrees C or more) between roughly 5 and 30 degrees north or south of the Equator. They do not form on the Equator itself.
  • Warm sea water evaporates, warm moist air rises, pressure falls at the surface, the air cools and condenses, and the spinning storm strengthens and develops an eye.
  • They are called hurricanes in the Atlantic, typhoons in the north-west Pacific and cyclones in the Indian Ocean. They weaken over land because they are cut off from the warm ocean.
  • Hazards include strong winds, a storm surge, heavy rain, flooding and landslides.
  • Impacts depend on both the storm and the place: building quality, warnings, shelters and defences all change the damage.

Key terms

Tropical cyclone
A powerful rotating storm that forms over warm tropical oceans.
Storm surge
A rise in sea level caused by the storm's winds and low pressure, which floods the coast.
Eye
The calm centre of a tropical cyclone.
Evacuation
Moving people out of danger before the storm arrives.

Common mistakes

  • Saying cyclones form on the Equator because it is the hottest place. They form between about 5 and 30 degrees.
  • Saying a cyclone dies inland because of friction from buildings. The credited reason is that it loses the warm ocean that powers it.
  • Choosing a case study of the wrong tier. A developed-country question needs a developed example, such as Hurricane Katrina in the USA (2005). A developing-country question needs a different one.

Exam tip

The Section B 8-marker is Assess or Evaluate, with 4 extra SPaG marks. Check the tier in the stem (developed, or developing and emerging), then use place detail: names, dates and figures.

Free practice questions

6 questions, 11 marks. Answer, then press Check. The marking guide explains how the marks are worked out. Nothing is saved.

  1. Question 1 · Multiple choice[1 mark]

    Between which latitudes do tropical cyclones usually form?

  2. Question 2 · True or false[4 marks]

    Decide whether each statement about tropical cyclones is true or false.

    1. A tropical cyclone over the north-west Pacific is called a typhoon.

    2. A tropical cyclone over the Atlantic is called a hurricane.

    3. Tropical cyclones are most common in late winter, when the sea is coldest.

    4. Tracks usually start by moving east and curve towards the Equator.

  3. Question 3 · Choose more than one[2 marks]

    Which TWO are hazards caused directly by a tropical cyclone?

    Choose 2.

  4. Question 4 · Multiple choice[1 mark]

    Which cyclone is a suitable example for a question about a DEVELOPED country?

  5. Question 5 · Put in order[2 marks]

    Put the stages of a tropical cyclone forming in the correct order, starting with the warm sea.

    Use the arrows to put these in the right order, first at the top.

    1. 1The warm, moist air rises and pressure at the surface falls
    2. 2The rising air cools and condenses, releasing heat
    3. 3Spinning winds grow stronger and an eye forms
    4. 4Warm sea water evaporates into warm, moist air
  6. Question 6 · Multiple choice[1 mark]

    A tropical cyclone moves inland and weakens. Which is the best explanation?