FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev.

0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 9

CYCLONES
MODULE OVERVIEW

As we all know, our country is very much prone to tropical cyclones due to its
geographical location. Therefore, it is of great importance to have ample knowledge about
them for our beneficial purposes.
This module offers you the essentials of tropical cyclones.

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this module, you should be able to:

 describe tropical cyclones in terms of definition, formation, structure,
movement and air flow, effects, and distribution;
 differentiate hurricanes from typhoons;
 classify tropical cyclones; and,
 discuss the PAGASA’s system for naming typhoons.

LEARNING CONTENTS

WHAT ARE TROPICAL CYCLONES?

Definition
Tropical cyclones are large,
organized storm systems
sustaining maximum wind speeds
of generally 74 mph or more.

Formation As discussed by PAGASA:

They can only form over oceans where sea surface temperature and
air temperatures are greater than 26°C. The air stores large amounts of
sensible and latent heat as it spirals towards the center. It receives this
heat from the sea and the exchange can occur rapidly, because of the

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

large amount of spray thrown into the air by the wind. The energy of the
tropical cyclones is hence derived from the massive liberation of the
latent heat of condensation.

They reach their greatest intensity while located over warm tropical
water. As soon as they move inland, they begin to weaken.

Structure

 Eye is the center of the cyclone where skies are clear (cloudless)
and winds are light.
 Eye wall refers to the area surrounding the eye where rain is
heaviest and winds are strongest.
 Rain bands are spiral groups of clouds and rain that extend for
hundreds of miles, containing thunderstorms and even tornadoes.

Movement Movement: They rotate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere

and Air Flow and rotate clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere caused by Earth's
rotation and resulting weather patterns.
Air Flow: They are
warm-core low
pressure systems
associated with a
spiral inflow of air
mass at the
bottom level and
spiral outflow at

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

the top level.

Effects They can produce strong winds, a lot of rain, flooding, storm surges,
and even tornadoes.

Distribution In other parts of

the world, they
are referred to as
hurricanes,
typhoons or
simply cyclones
depending on the
region.

 Hurricanes develop over Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans.

 Cyclones develop over the Indian ocean.
 Typhoons develop over western Pacific Ocean.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

‘s New Hobby

Scenario and Directions: Spongebob got a

new hobby- reading meteorology-related books.
It all started when his bestfriend Patrick gave
him his first meteorology book entitled
“Discover Tropical Cyclones.” This book
became his most favorite and read it many
Discover
Tropical times. If you were Spongebob, how will you
Cyclones share to others your learned knowledge from
this book? Show it by completing the table on
next page. Keep your answers short yet enough.

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

Tropical Cyclone’s: Your Answer:

1. Definition

2. Structure

3. Formation

4. Effects

5. Distribution

6. Movement and
Air Flow

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

LEARNING CONTENTS

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES OF HURRICANE AND TYPHOON?

In terms of: HURRICANE TYPHOON

Location It is the tropical cyclone in the It is the tropical cyclone in
Atlantic and eastern Pacific the western Pacific Ocean.
Oceans.

*It came from a Greek word:

typhon, meaning "whirlwind."
*It came from the Taino Native
It also refers to a god who is
American word: hurucane,
also a monster and is
meaning “evil spirit of the wind.”
personified as the father of
wind.

Most Affected Areas Figures suggest that the most Figures suggest that the
common area for a hurricane to most common area for a
occur is the Caribbean Sea. typhoon to occur is off or
near the coast of South
East Asia.
Intensity It is generally lesser in strength. It is generally greater in
strength.

*This is attributed to the

warmer water in the western
Pacific which creates better
conditions for cyclone
formation.

Frequency It is less frequent (10-15 per It is more frequent (25-30

year). per year).

*The unlimited amount of

warm water makes for
increased frequency of
typhoons.

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2

In the “ ” of Elsa & Anna

Scenario and Directions: One day, Elsa and

Anna go for a walk. While roaming around, they
see a tropical cyclone approaching their land.
Unfortunately, they are having differences in
describing the said cyclone in terms of location,
most affected areas, intensity and frequency.
This is because ELSA CALLS IT A HURRICANE
while ANNA CALLS IT A TYPHOON. If you could
be both Elsa and Anna, how will you describe
the cyclone? Write your answers on their
designated column.

In the eyes of Elsa In the eyes of Anna

1. Location 1a 1b

2. Most Affected Areas 2a 2b

3. Frequency 3a 3b

4. Intensity 4a 4b

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

LEARNING CONTENTS

WHAT ARE THE PAGASA’S TROPICAL CYCLONE CLASSIFICATIONS?

The following table presents the 5 classifications of tropical cyclones based on

associated wind speed or strength. They are adopted by PAGASA as of May 1, 2015.
Class Description
TROPICAL DEPRESSION (TD) It is a tropical cyclone with maximum
sustained winds of up to 61 kilometers per
hour (kph) or less than 33 nautical miles per
hour (knots).
TROPICAL STORM (TS) It is a tropical cyclone with maximum wind
speed of 62 to 88 kph or 34 - 47 knots.
SEVERE TROPICAL STORM (STS) It is a tropical cyclone with maximum wind
speed of 89 to 117 kph or 48 - 63 knots.
TYPHOON (TY) It is a tropical cyclone with maximum wind
speed of 118 to 220 kph or 64 - 120 knots.
SUPER TYPHOON (STY) It is a tropical cyclone with maximum wind
speed exceeding 220 kph or more than 120
knots.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3

M
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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

Meteorology Couple T-Shirts

Scenario and Directions: While preparing for your upcoming … has winds
meteorology fair and exhibit, your classmate came up with the of up to 89
idea that each pair assigned to each exhibit should wear to 117 kph.
meteorology concept couple T-shirts. However, when the
ordered T-shirts arrived, she’s not sure which T-shirts should go
together. Will you please help her? Match the pink T-shirts of
Tropical Cyclone classes with their correct associated wind
strength printed on the green T-shirts by writing the green T-
shirt size on the blank near each class.

L
… has winds
of up to 62
Severe tropical
to 88 kph.
storm…

1)

Super
typhoon… S
… has winds
2) exceeding
220 kph.

Tropical
depression… XS
3) … has winds up
to 61 kph.

Tropical
storm…
4) XL
… has winds of
up to 118
to 220 kph.
Typhoon…

5)

LEARNING CONTENTS

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

WHAT IS THE PAGASA’S SYSTEM FOR NAMING TYPHOONS?

How the PAGASA In 1998, PAGASA conducted a “Name A Bagyo” contest

locally name a typhoon
that had Filipinos send their proposed local typhoon names.
A committee chose 140 Philippine typhoon names from the
nominations.

PAGASA divided the list (a mix of male and female

names, as well as gender-neutral names) into 4 sets of
25 typhoon names (each starting with A to Z) with
additional 10 auxiliary or back up names (each starting
with A to J). This means that in the event that all the 25
typhoon names were used within the year and another
storm will enter the PAR, PAGASA will use its auxiliary set
of names. But annually, 20 typhoons are only expected to
hit the country. So, each set of 25 typhoon names is
actually more than enough.

PAGASA uses each set of typhoon names in rotation

every four years. This means that the set of typhoon
names for 2020 (see on next page) will also be used in
2024, 2028, and 2032.
When to retire or drop PAGASA will retire a name from its list if the storm has
a local typhoon name either a) caused at least 300 deaths or b) PHP 1 billion
by PAGASA worth of infrastructural and agricultural damages.

Examples of typhoon names retired for this reason:

 Yolanda (2013)
 Ondoy (2009)

PAGASA will also drop names that sound like those of

prominent personalities to avoid public ridicule or
mockery.

Examples of typhoon names dropped for this reason:

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

 In 2015, PAGASA changed Nonoy to Nona because

it resembled the nickname of then President Benigno
Aquino III.
 PAGASA replaced Gloria with Glenda during former
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s term.
Why the PAGASA use PAGASA uses local typhoon name for an effective recall
local typhoon names among the public.

It will help draw public attention to its disastrous

effects. It will as well highlight the fact that a storm
within the PAR is a threat to the country.

To sum it all, it will help in disaster risk awareness and

preparedness.

TRY THIS:
Simulate A Cyclone! Go to:
https://scijinks.gov/hurricane-
simulation/

EXPLORE THIS:
Learn about Cyclone Safety! Visit:
https://www.jcu.edu.au/safety-and-
wellbeing/emergency/natural-
disasters/personal-cyclone-
preparedness-and-safety-procedures
LEARNING ACTIVITY 4
Legit or Fake?
M

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

Scenario and Directions: While you are checking your FB account, you
curiously opened an educational page about the PAGASA’s system for naming
typhoons you have just learned. Can you tell whether each stated concept legit or
fake? Write ✔on the bullet if legit and x if fake. If the statement is fake, support your
judgment by changing the underlined phrase or word to make it true. Write your
modifications on the line provided after each statement. Go and be a fake news
buster!

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE PAGASA’S SYSTEM FOR

NAMING TYPHOONS by Lachika Siyentipika Pahina (Sept. 08, 2020)
o 1) PAGASA uses local typhoon names for an effective recall among the public.
________________________________________________________________
o 2) PAGASA uses each set of typhoon names in rotation every five years.
________________________________________________________________
o 3) PAGASA’s list of typhoon names is entirely a mix of male and female names.
________________________________________________________________
o 4) PAGASA retires a name from its list if the typhoon has caused at least 300 deaths or
PHP 1 billion worth of infrastructural damage.
________________________________________________________________
o 5) In 1998, PAGASA conducted a “Name A Bagyo” contest that had foreigners send their
proposed local typhoon names.
________________________________________________________________
o 6) PAGASA has 5 sets of 20 typhoon names (each starting with A to Z) with additional 10
auxiliary names (each starting with A to J).
________________________________________________________________
o 7) In 2015, PAGASA changed Nonoy to Nona because it resembled the nickname of then
President Benigno Aquino III.
________________________________________________________________
o 8) PAGASA also drops names that sound like those of prominent personalities to avoid
public ridicule.
________________________________________________________________
o 9) The set of typhoon names for 2020 will also be used in 2025, 2030, and 2035.
________________________________________________________________

o 10) PAGASA’s use of local typhoon names will help in disaster risk preparedness.
________________________________________________________________

Thank you for visiting! Please subscribe by giving a

G ACTIVITIES 2 & 3

SUMMARY

 Tropical cyclones are large, organized storm systems sustaining maximum wind
speeds of generally 74 mph or more.

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Study Guide in Science 126: Meteorology Module No. 9

 Hurricanes and typhoons both refer to tropical cyclones that differ in terms of
location, most affected areas, intensity and frequency.
 According to associated wind strength, a tropical cyclone can be a) tropical
depression, b) tropical storm, c) severe tropical storm, d) typhoon or e) super
typhoon.
 PAGASA has 4 sets of 25 local typhoon names (each starting with A to Z) with
additional 10 auxiliary names (each starting with A to J) which are in rotation every
four years.

REFERENCES

Ahrens, C. Donald (2009). Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate and the
Environment 9th Edition. USA: Brooks/ Cole, Cengage Learning

Dusto, Amy (2019). Scientific Explanation of Typhoons. Retrieved August 25, 2020 from
https://sciencing.com/scientific-explanation-of-typhoons-12314877.html

Diffen LLC (nd). Hurricane vs. Typhoon. Retrieved August 25, 2020 from https://www.
diffen.com/difference/Hurricane_vs_Typhoon

PAGASA (nd). About Tropical Cyclones. Retrieved August 25, 2020 from http://bagong.
pagasa. dost.gov.ph/information/about-tropical-cyclone

Zoleta, Venus (2018). Philippine Typhoon Names: How Does PAGASA Come Up with
Them? Retrieved August 25, 2020 from https://www.moneymax.ph/ lifestyle/articles/
philippine-typhoon-names

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