Problem

Storms


Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Nature:

An atmospheric disturbance involving perturbations of the prevailing pressure and wind fields on scales ranging from tornadoes (1 km across) to extratropical cyclones (2,000-3,000 km across) which may be accompanied by rain, blizzard, lightning and related phenomena, and preceded or accompanied by squalls. Storms may: cause flooding and damage to crops; uproot trees; damage roofs and chimneys; break windows, leading to rain damage; overturn trucks; affect transportation, communication and energy supplies; delay building construction; and destroy traditional landmarks. In their more violent form, storms may cause severe damage and loss of life.

Incidence:

It has been estimated that approximately 1,800 thunderstorms are active over the world at any one time. Over the period 1970-81, 353,832 persons were killed, and property worth 12,600 million dollars damaged by storms. Early in 1990 in Europe, over a period of 6 weeks, 5 storms killed nearly 200 people and caused over $11 billion damages. Large storms of increasing intensity and frequency are expected by some climatologists as a result of the greenhouse effect, since more heat provides greater energy for storms.

Subject(s):
Meteorology Meteorology ??
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 13: Climate Action
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems
Date of last update
20.05.2019 – 17:01 CEST