UNDERSTANDI

NG
TYPHOONS
PRESENTED BY GROUP V
WHAT ARE TYPHOONS?
Typhoons are a type of tropical cyclone
that occurs in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
They are powerful storm systems
characterized by strong winds, heavy rain,
and low-pressure centers. Typhoons form
over warm ocean waters and are driven by
heat energy, drawing moisture from the
They develop when a combination of
factors such as high sea surface
temperatures, moist air, and favorable
atmospheric conditions (like low wind
shear) are present. These storms can bring
massive destruction due to flooding, storm
surges, and high winds, often leading to
significant human, infrastructural, and
economic impacts.
WHY IS THE PHILIPINES PRONE TO
TYPHOONS?

1. Geographical Location

Pacific Typhoon Belt: The Philippines is

located along the Pacific Typhoon Belt,
specifically in the western part of the
North Pacific Ocean, where about one-
third of the world’s tropical cyclones
are formed. Typhoons generally form
over the warm tropical waters of the
Pacific Ocean, and the Philippines lies
directly in their path.
WHY IS THE PHILIPINES PRONE TO
TYPHOONS?

1. Geographical Location

Warm Waters: Typhoons thrive on warm

sea surface temperatures (around
26.5°C or higher). The Philippines is
surrounded by the warm waters of the
Western Pacific, which serve as the
perfect "fuel" for typhoon
development.
WHY IS THE PHILIPINES PRONE TO
TYPHOONS?

1. Geographical Location

Position near the Equator: While

typhoons do not form exactly at the
equator (due to the lack of the Coriolis
effect), they often begin their journey
nearby, and the Philippines lies close
enough to this region to frequently
encounter typhoons as they move
westward or northward.
 2. Meteorological
Conditions
Convergence
Zones
The country is located in a region where
different weather systems converge, including
the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ),
which is an area where trade winds from the
Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. This
convergence of winds can help trigger the
development of tropical disturbances that can
 2. Meteorological
Conditions

Monsoon Influence

The Philippines experiences both the

southwest (Habagat) and northeast (Amihan)
monsoons. These seasonal winds can
enhance the severity of typhoons, leading to
more rainfall and stronger winds, especially
during the Habagat season (June to October).
 3. Climate
Conditions
El Niño and La Niña Phenomena:
The Philippines is affected by these climatic
phenomena, which influence the intensity and
frequency of typhoons. During La Niña, when
sea surface temperatures are cooler in the
central and eastern Pacific but warmer in the
western Pacific, more intense and frequent
typhoons tend to hit the country. Conversely, El
Niño can reduce typhoon activity in the region
due to changes in wind patterns and ocean
 4. Topography
and Island
Composition
Mountain Ranges and Valleys:

The rugged terrain of the Philippines can

sometimes exacerbate the effects of
typhoons. Mountain ranges can trap
moisture, leading to intense rainfall and
landslides, while valleys and plains may
experience heavy flooding due to runoff
from the mountains.
 4. Topography
and Island
Composition
Archipelagic
Nature
The Philippines is made up of over 7,000
islands, many of which have low-lying coastal
areas. These areas are particularly vulnerable
to storm surges and coastal flooding during
typhoons. The archipelagic nature of the
country means that when a typhoon makes
landfall, it can affect multiple islands and
regions.
 5.
Seasonality

Typhoon season in the Philippines

generally spans from June to
November, coinciding with the
southwest monsoon (Habagat).
However, typhoons can occur year-
round, and the country experiences an
average of 20 typhoons per year, with
around 5-7 being particularly
destructive. The peak of typhoon
activity usually occurs between July
 Effects of
Landforms and
Bodies of Water on
Typhoons
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 1. Effects of Landforms on
Typhoons

Landfall and Friction (Typhoon Weakening)

Frictional Drag

When a typhoon hits land, it starts to weaken

due to increased friction from the surface, which
disrupts the smooth, organized flow of winds.
The storm's circular motion becomes less stable,
and its wind speeds decrease.
 1. Effects of Landforms on
Typhoons

Landfall and Friction (Typhoon Weakening)

Moisture Cut-Off

On land, typhoons lose their primary

energy source—moisture from the
warm ocean. Without this supply, the
typhoon begins to dissipate, and its
strength diminishes rapidly.
 1. Effects of Landforms on
Typhoons

Landfall and Friction (Typhoon Weakening)

Rapid Decay

The larger the landmass, the

quicker the storm will weaken.
Typhoons crossing large continents
like Asia weaken more quickly
compared to storms that skim
across small islands.
Mountainous Terrain (Intensifies
Rainfall and Triggers Landslides)

Orographic Lift
When typhoons encounter mountainous terrain,
such as the mountain ranges in the Philippines or
Taiwan, the air is forced to rise over the mountains.
This process, called orographic lift, causes the air
to cool and condense, leading to intensified
rainfall on the windward side of the mountains.
This can result in catastrophic flooding and
landslides in areas with rugged topography.
Mountainous Terrain (Intensifies
Rainfall and Triggers Landslides)

Example in the Philippines

The Sierra Madre mountain range on
the eastern side of Luzon helps to
weaken typhoons as they approach
from the Pacific Ocean, but it also
causes extreme rainfall, flooding, and
landslides in the regions it shields.
 Low-Lying Areas and Coastal Plains (Vulnerable to
Flooding and Storm Surges)

01

Storm Surges in Coastal Areas

Low-lying coastal regions, especially those

along shallow bays, are highly vulnerable
to storm surges when a typhoon makes
landfall. These areas can experience severe
flooding as water from the ocean is pushed
 Low-Lying Areas and Coastal Plains (Vulnerable to
Flooding and Storm Surges)

02

Flooding in Plains

Flat plains, such as those in the central

Philippines, are prone to widespread flooding
due to heavy rains associated with typhoons.
These areas often lack the elevation to drain
water effectively, resulting in prolonged flood
 Urbanization and Drainage Systems

Urban Heat Islands

Cities and densely populated areas can

sometimes influence local weather
patterns due to the heat they emit, but
their greatest impact is in terms of their
vulnerability. Urban areas, with impervious
surfaces like concrete, experience rapid
runoff during typhoons, leading to urban
 Urbanization and Drainage Systems

Inadequate Drainage:

Poor or outdated drainage

systems can exacerbate flooding,
particularly in heavily built-up
areas. Even moderate typhoons
can lead to catastrophic urban
floods if water cannot drain
2. Effects of Bodies of Water on
Typhoons

Warm Ocean Waters (Fuel for Typhoons)

Source of Energy: Typhoons draw

their energy from the heat and
moisture of warm ocean waters
(typically 26.5°C or higher). The
evaporation of warm seawater adds
moisture to the atmosphere, creating
the low-pressure system needed for
2. Effects of Bodies of Water on
Typhoons

Continued Intensification. As long

as a typhoon remains over warm
water, it will continue to gain
strength. The warmer the water, the
more intense the storm can become,
as more heat and moisture are
absorbed into the storm system.
2. Effects of Bodies of Water on
Typhoons

Western Pacific. In the case of the

Philippines, the Western Pacific
Ocean is one of the warmest large
bodies of water in the world, which
is why many typhoons intensify as
they approach or pass through this
region. The sea surface
temperature in this area often
exceeds 28°C, allowing typhoons to
 Cold Water (Weakens Typhoons)
Loss of Energy

When a typhoon moves over cooler waters,

it begins to weaken because it can no
longer draw enough heat and moisture to
rasustain itself. Cold water reduces the
evaporation te, cutting off the storm’s
energy supply.
 Cold Water (Weakens Typhoons)

Example:

If a typhoon moves into colder

waters of higher latitudes or into
upwelling areas (where deep, cold
water rises to the surface), it will
start to weaken and lose its
intensity.
 Shallow Coastal Waters (Amplify Storm Surges)

Coastal areas, especially those with shallow

continental shelves, are highly vulnerable
to storm surges. When a typhoon
approaches land, its strong winds push
water toward the coast, causing a rapid rise
in sea level. Shallow waters allow this surge
to build up more dramatically, leading to
severe coastal flooding, often exacerbating
the typhoon’s destructive impact.
Thank you all for your time and attention. We truly
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We more than happy to provide any additional

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