Science

Quarter 2 – Module 4: Understanding Typhoons

Being in the tropics, the Philippines is visited by typhoons almost every year. These typhoons are
also referred to as tropical cyclones. Some of these typhoons leave minimal damages but a number
have already been listed in history as devastating. Not a single part of our country is exempted from these
forces of nature.
A lot of individuals mostly use the word “typhoon” and are seemingly unaware of the term “tropical
cyclone.” In this module, you will understand that a typhoon is just one category of a tropical cyclone.
According to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA), there were 13 tropical cyclones that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in 2019.
Do you know that the Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones? It is because of its geographical
location which generally produce heavy rains, flooding of large areas, strong winds which result in heavy
casualties to human life, and destructions to crops and properties. That is why, it is very important to have
sufficient knowledge on tropical cyclones for our benefit. The picture below shows how typhoon can greatly
affect our lives.
We already know what to expect when a typhoon comes. We get many rains and strong winds. You
may not have noticed it, but the winds in every typhoon move in an exceedingly circular direction. Take a
look at Figure 2.

Figure 2. Super typhoon Yolanda as seen from above. At the

middle is the “eye” of the typhoon
(Image by DOST PAGASA https://tinyurl.com/yxjkwfyp)
The picture (figure 2) shows a satellite image of super typhoon Yolanda that hit the Philippines on
November 8, 2013. Do you see the clouds in a spiral arrangement? They are being blown by winds in a
counterclockwise direction.
The tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, and super typhoon are categories
of tropical cyclones (see Table 2). In simple term, a tropical cyclone is a system of thunderstorms moving
in a circular direction. As the winds strengthen or weaken, the category is upgraded or downgraded
accordingly.

Table 2. Classification of Tropical Cyclone with its Corresponding Wind Speed

Maximum sustained winds in

Tropical Cyclone Category
kilometer per hour (kph)
Tropical Depression (TD) up to 61
Tropical Storm (TS) 62 to 88
Severe Tropical Storm (STS) 89 to 117
Typhoon (TY) 118 to 220
Super Typhoon (STY) exceeding 220

Source:http://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph./information/about-tropical-cyclone

The term “typhoon” is common in the northwestern part of the Pacific. Within the northeastern
part of the Pacific Ocean and also in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, the equivalent term of
typhoon is “hurricane.” In the Philippines, we call all categories of tropical cyclone as “bagyo,” may it be
a tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon or super typhoon. When a tropical
cyclone enters the PAR, the PAGASA will announce Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS). The lifting or
assigning of a PSWS in a certain place usually happens before the corresponding atmospheric conditions
exist over the locality. This is because the aim of the signal is to warn the people of the approaching
danger that the tropical cyclone may bring. It is important to remember that the appropriate interval of the
range of the wind speeds for every signal is only valid when PAGASA puts to effect the signal number for
the first time.

Table 3. Revised Public Storm Warning Signals

PSWS Lead Time Wind Speed Impacts of the Wind
(hrs) (kph)
1 36 30 - 60 no damage to very light damage

2 24 61 - 120 light to moderate damage

3 18 121 - 170 moderate to heavy damage

4 12 171 - 220 heavy to very heavy damage

5 12 more than 220 very heavy to widespread damage
Source http://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/learning-tools/public-storm-warning-signal

A tropical cyclone is a natural phenomenon that nobody can stop. We can only prepare for its
arrival through the communications coming from PAGASA. Weather forecasts on television, on newspapers
and over the radio may assist in the dissemination of these information for the public to know. It is
important as well, to have a sufficient knowledge about these weather conditions for us to be ready and be
safe should one hit our place. What should we do in times of grave danger like this? Read some tips on the
next page.

Table 4. What to Do During a Typhoon

PSWS 1 PSWS 2 PSWS 3 PSWS 4 PSWS 5

1. Listen to your 1. Special 1. Keep your 1. Stay in safe 1. Stay in
radio for more attention should radio on and houses or safe houses
information be given to the listen to the evacuation or
about weather latest position, latest news centers evacuation
disturbance. the direction, about typhoon. centers
and speed 2. All travels
2. Check the movement as 2. Everybody is and outdoor 2. All travels
ability of the the cyclone may advised to stay activities and outdoor
house to intensify and in safe and should be activities
withstand move towards strong houses. cancelled. should be
strong winds the locality. cancelled.
and strengthen 3. Evacuate 3. Keep
it if necessary. 2. The general from low-lying listening to
public, areas to higher your radio to
3. The people especially grounds. the latest
are advised to people travelling news about
monitor the by sea and air 4. Stay away the typhoon.
latest severe are cautioned to from coasts and
weather Bulletin avoid riverbanks.
issued by unnecessary
PAGASA every risks.
5. Watch out for
six hours. In the
the passage of
meantime, 3. Protect the "EYE" of the
business may properties typhoon.
be carried out before signals
as usual except are upgraded.
when flood
occurs. 4. Board up
windows or put
storm shutters
in place and
securely fasten
it. Stay at home.
Source: http://mmda.gov.ph/20.faq/288-disaster-awareness-faq.html

Tropical cyclone is considered as one of the most destructive natural disasters that affects the lives
of many people and causes tremendous loss of properties.
Listed below are the effects of tropical cyclone that can leave a significant mark on the lives of
people.
1. Strong winds (squalls). The surface wind increases in magnitude and is maintained over a time
interval of several minutes to half an hour. The increase in wind speed may occur abruptly or slowly.
These changes in near landfall can lead to loss of lives and large damage to properties.

2. Tornadoes. These are produced by tropical cyclone characterized by a violent and destructive
whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud. A weak tornado has a wind speed of about
64-116 kph.

3. Rainfall and Flooding. Rainfall associated with tropical cyclone is both beneficial and harmful. Rains
contribute to the water needs of the areas traversed by the tropical cyclone. The rains are harmful
when the amount is way too large as to cause flooding.

4. Storm surge. This is an abnormal rise of water due to tropical cyclone and it is an oceanic event.
These devastating surges occur along coasts with low-lying terrain.

Source:http://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/information/about-tropical-cyclone
After an emergency, we may need to survive on our own for several days. We should have our own
emergency kit that will last us for at least 72 hours. An emergency kit is a collection of basic items that a
household should have in the event of an emergency like a typhoon. Most of the things included in the kit
are inexpensive and easy to find and could save your life. Make sure your emergency kit has the following
items:

A tropical cyclone can only form over oceans of the world except in the South Atlantic Ocean and
the Southeastern Pacific due to its lower air temperature. Oceans in the tropics, and landforms in nearby
countries can
 water (one gallon per person per • personal hygiene items affect the
day for at least three days, for • important documents formation of
drinking and sanitation) • 15-meter rope typhoons.
 food (at least a three-day supply of • extra clothes
non-perishable food) • pocketknife
 cellular phone with charger and • first aid kit
power bank • matches
 transistor radio and batteries • blanket
 whistle (to signal for help) • money
 flashlight and batteries • lighter
 waterproof bag • watch

Landforms
Landforms affect wind directions, and therefore disrupt the spin of a typhoon. Typhoon weakens
because of lack of water to supply the needed moisture in the air. When this happens, the air temperature
drops; as the water vapor cools, fog forms, and rain may fall on the windward side of the mountain. When
the same atmosphere descends on the other side of the mountain, it brings a minimal amount of water
vapor. A “rain shadow” or dry climate develops on the leeward side of the mountain.
Figure 2 shows the windward side which has more vegetation compared on the leeward side. This is
because of the amount of precipitation the windward side receives. When air goes up into the mountain, it
loses its moisture and only dry air proceeds to the leeward side making that side produce less vegetation.

Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

Figure 2: The Surface Features of a Mountain

 Landforms like tall mountain ranges act as an obstacle to traveling air masses, forcing them to rise
over the peaks. A typhoon is likely to dissolve or decrease its wind speed when it passes over a mountain
or a mountain range. The cold air on top of a mountain prevents the building up of a typhoon, which needs
warmer air.
Bodies of Water

The bodies of water help in the formation and development of a typhoon. In order for a typhoon to
develop, it needs the abundance of warm water, high humidity, optimal location, ocean water with a
temperature of 26.5˚C, spanning from the surface up to the depth of at least 50 meters (160 ft), and low
vertical wind shear. Warm bodies of water are the main factors in the formation of a typhoon. The air in
bodies of water is warm due to the evaporation of water. This warm air builds up or increases the wind
speed of a typhoon. Typhoon gains energy from warm ocean water and loses it over cold water.

Figure 3. Spiraling of
Water in the Ocean
Forming Tropical Cyclone

As shown in Figure 3, the warm, moist air over the ocean moves up and away leaving lesser air
near the surface. You already learned in Grade 7 that warm air rises, causing an area of lower air pressure.
Air from the surroundings with higher air pressure pushes in to the low-pressure area. As the warm air
continues to rise, the surrounding air spins in to take its place. As the warmed, moist air rises and cools off,
the water in the air condensates and forms clouds. The whole system of clouds and winds spins together
and grows.
Do you know that storms that form north of the equator spin counter clockwise and storms south of the
equator spin clockwise? This is because of the Earth's rotation on its axis.