Cyclones

Tropical Cyclones

What is a tropical cyclone?

• intense cells of low pressure with a central eye surrounded by a circular wind system
• storm surges, strong winds
• unpredictable directions

What Kind of Damage does it do to coral reefs?

• erosion:
  • destruction and removal of coral
  • removal of surface sand and soil
  • storm ridges
• biodiversity

Recovery

• time needed to return to original state
• greater damage can take anywhere between 5 to 40 years to recover

History of Cyclones

• Impacts on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Case study: Cyclone Ingrid
    • intensity
    • damages
  • Case study: Cyclone Yasi
    • intensity
    • damages

How to Protect against Tropical Cyclones

• Marine protected areas
  • NTAs provide protection and act as sources of recovery after natural disasters

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