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Science
Quarter 2 – Module 4:
Understanding Typhoons

CO_Q2_Science 8_ Module 4
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you master the nature of typhoons. The scope of this module permits it
to be used in many different learning situations. The language used
recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you
read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now
using.

This module contains:

• Lesson 1 - How Typhoons Develop
• Lesson 2 - How Landforms and Bodies of Water Affect Typhoons

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain how typhoon develops and how it is affected by landforms and
bodies of water. (MELC Week 4-5)

What I Know

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Where do typhoons form?

A. lakes C. rivers
B. oceans D. streams

2. Which weather disturbance develops in the northwest Pacific Ocean?

A. blizzard C. tropical cyclone
B. tornado D. tsunami

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CO_Q2_Science 8_ Module 4
3. What is the other term for tropical cyclone?
A. earthquake C. typhoon
B. tsunami D. wildfire

4. What Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) has a wind speed of 160
kph?
A. 1 C. 3
B. 2 D. 4

5. Where do typhoons that hit the Philippines mostly originate?

A. Pacific Ocean C. Indian Ocean
B. South China Sea D. West Philippine Sea

6. What does ITCZ mean?

A. Intertropical Convergence Zone
B. Intratropical Converging Zone
C. Intertropical Converging Zone
D. Intratropical Convergence Zone

7. Which tropical cyclone has a wind speed greater than 200 kph?
A. super typhoon C. tropical storm
B. typhoon D. tropical depression

8. How would you describe the condition within the typhoon’s eye?
A. calm C. sunny
B. intense D. violent

9. Which agency takes charge of giving information about incoming

typhoon?
A. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
B. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
C. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
(NDRRMC)
D. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA)

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CO_Q2_Science 8_ Module 4
10. What will you do if a typhoon will hit your place?
A. store bread and milk
B. hide in a room without windows
C. watch TV and share on Facebook
D. leave the area and proceed to the evacuation center

11. What causes tropical cyclone to spin?

A. rotation of the earth
B. revolution of the earth
C. gravitational pull of the sun
D. gravitational pull of the moon

12. What is the cyclonic circulation of tropical cyclone if it is located

in the southern hemisphere?
A. clockwise C. downward rotation
B. counterclockwise D. upward rotation

13. Which statement tells about storm surge?

A. It is a rise in sea level due to global warming.
B. It is an abnormal rise of sea water due to tropical cyclone that
occurs along the coast.
C. It is the rising of the sea level due to the friction between surface
water and wind.
D. It is a destructive wave due to underwater earthquake that occurs
along the sea coast.

14. Which item should NOT be included in an emergency kit?

A. cellphone C. beauty product
B. pocket knife D. transistor radio

15. Which statement does NOT describe the windward side of a

mountain?
A. It has abundant life forms
B. It receives a lot of precipitation.
C. It has lots of vegetation due to abundance of precipitation.
D. It has less vegetation because the moist in the air is accumulated
in the leeward side.

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CO_Q2_Science 8_ Module 4
 Lesson

1 How Typhoons Develop

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.

[Link]

[Link]

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CO_Q2_Science 8_ Module 4
 What’s New

When a weather disturbance enters the Philippine Area of

Responsibility (PAR), PAGASA, the national agency dedicated to providing
flood and typhoon warnings, public weather forecasts and advisories, begins
to monitor it. Do you know which area is covered by the PAR? Do the
following activity to find out.

Activity 2. Let’s Plot The PAR

A. Directions: Plot the following points (Table 1) on the map (Figure 1).
Connect the plotted points to identify the regions within the PAR.

Table 1. Lat-Long Position of PAR

Points Latitude, Longitude

a 5°N,115°E

b 15°N, 115°E

c 21°N, 120°E

d 25°N, 120°E

e 25°N, 135°E

f 5°N, 135°E

Source: Campo et al. Science-Grade 8 Learner’s Module (Philippines: FEP

Printing Corporation, 2016), 140.

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CO_Q2_Science 8_ Module 4
 Figure 1. Map of the Philippines and its vicinity

Source: Campo et al. Science -Grade 8 Learner’s Module (Philippines: FEP

Printing Corporation, 2016), 141. Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

B. Directions: Answer the following questions with Yes or No. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Questions:
1. If the typhoon is located at 17°N, 138°E, is it _____________
within PAR?
2. If the typhoon is at 19°N, 115°E, is it within PAR? _____________
3. If the typhoon is at 18°N, 125°E location, is it _____________
within PAR?
4. If the typhoon is located at 8°N, 130°E, is it _____________
within PAR?

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 What is It

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 [Link]

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.

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 Table 2. Classification of Tropical Cyclone with its
Corresponding Wind Speed
Maximum sustained winds
Tropical Cyclone Category
in 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:[Link]

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)
no damage to very light
1 36 30 - 60
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
very heavy to widespread
5 12 more than 220 damage

Source [Link]

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

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:
• water (one gallon per person per day • personal hygiene
for at least three days, for drinking items
and sanitation) • important documents
• food (at least a three-day supply of • 15-meter rope
• non-perishable food) • extra clothes
• cellular phone with charger and power • pocket knife
bank • first aid kit
• transistor radio and batteries • matches
• whistle (to signal for help) • blanket
• flashlight and batteries • money
• waterproof bag • lighter
• watch

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 What’s More

Activity 3. Track My Trail

Directions: Shown below are the paths of 3 tropical cyclones that entered
PAR.
Tropical Storm Jolina in August 2017, Typhoon Ompong in
September 2018, and Tropical Storm Jenny in August 2019
respectively. The tracks were plotted by PAGASA. Study the map
and answer the questions. Write your answers on a separate sheet
of paper.

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 Figure 2. Paths of Selected Tropical Cyclones that have Entered PAR in the Past Years

Questions:

1. Where did the 3 tropical cyclones form?

____________________________________________________________________

2. In what direction did the tropical cyclones move?

____________________________________________________________________

3. Which is the strongest among the three tropical cyclones?

____________________________________________________________________

4. What factor/s contributed to the strength of the typhoon?

____________________________________________________________________

Why is the Philippines prone to tropical cyclone?

5.
____________________________________________________________________
Rubric

4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point

Main idea is Main idea is Main idea is
clear and well- clear and clear but not
Main idea is
supported with supported with supported with
1 detailed not clear.
2 detailed detailed
information. information. information.

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 What I Have Learned

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct terms to complete the statements.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. ________ are classified as hurricane and typhoon depending on the area

where they are currently located.

2. Hurricane develops in the ________ of the Pacific Ocean.

3. There are 5 categories of tropical cyclones namely tropical depression,

tropical storm, severe tropical storm, ________, and super typhoon.

4. ________ is a national agency assigned to give warning signal over locality

who will be affected by a tropical cyclone.

5. ________ may include but not limited to water, food, cellular phone with

charger and power bank, transistor radio and batteries, whistle, flashlight
personal hygiene items, and important documents.

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 Lesson How Landforms and Bodies of Water
Affect Typhoons within the Philippine
2 Area of Responsibility (PAR)

In Grade 7, you have learned concepts that helped you understand about
why the wind blows, why monsoons occur, and what is Intertropical Convergence
Zone (ITCZ). All of these are associated with understanding the concept of
typhoon. In this lesson, we begin by asking, how do landforms and bodies of water
affect typhoon?

What’s In

In the previous lesson, you have learned the different categories of tropical
cyclone like super typhoon, typhoon, severe tropical storm, tropical storm, and
tropical depression. Let us see how far you have learned by doing the activity
below.

Activity 1. Mix and Match

Directions: Match the definition in column A to the words in column B. Choose

the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

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 What’s New

Bodies of water like the oceans have a great influence on the weather of
continental masses. How do landforms and bodies of water affect the formation of
typhoons? Do the activity below to find out.
Activity 2. Fill Me Up
Directions: Fill in the correct processes of how landforms and bodies of water
affect typhoon. Choose the letter of the correct processes by writing the
letter. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
Body of Water
Landform
A. Humid air is rising
D. Air cools as it continues making the clouds of the
to rise. storm.
E. Humidity condenses into B. Winds flow outward
heavy rain. above the storm, allowing
F. Warm, humid air travels the air below to rise.
into the land. C. Light winds outside
typhoon steer it and let it
grow.
Source: [Link]

B. Body of Water

A. Landform

Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

Figure 1. (A) Landform and (B) Body of Water Affect the Formation of Tropical Cyclone

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 What is It

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 affect the formation
of typhoons.

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.

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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

Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

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.

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 What’s More

Activity 3. What’s the Missing Link

Directions: Fill in the blanks. Choose the words from the box below. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

26.5˚C circulation warm counterclockwise

37.5˚C disturb water mountain ranges
40.5⁰C cold weakens tropical cyclone wind
air ocean landforms

Warm bodies of water, with at least surface temperature of __(1) , is the

main factor in the formation of a (2) . The warm air above the surface of the
(3) builds and tends to rise up. The surrounding (4) is forced to move in
the direction where the air is rising until it creates a cyclonic (5) that results
in tropical cyclone. On the other hand, landforms like a (6) , act as an obstacle
to traveling air masses forcing them to rise over the peaks and tend to affect (7)
direction and therefore, (8) the spin of a tropical cyclone. Tropical cyclone
(9)_ or even die out because of lack of (10) supply.

What I Have Learned

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct terms to complete the statements.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Landforms like tall _________ act as an obstacle to traveling air masses,

forcing them to rise over the peaks.

2. A _________ is likely to dissolve or decrease its wind speed when it passes

over a mountain or a mountain range.

3. Bodies of water like _________, is the main factor in the formation of typhoon.

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 4. The air in bodies of water is _________ due to the evaporation of water.

5. Warm air builds up or increases the _________ of a tropical cyclone.

What I Can Do

Activity 4. My Windy Reflection

Directions: Write a reflection on a separate sheet of paper about the situation
below.
When a typhoon visits your place, it brings a lot of damages depending on
its strength. As a student, what can you do to protect yourself and your family
from this natural disaster?

Rubric

4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point

Main idea is clear Main idea is clear Main idea is clear Main idea is not
and well-supported and supported but not supported clear.
with 3-4 detailed with 1-2 detailed with detailed
information. information. information.

Assessment

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. What is the name of the tropical cyclone formed in the northwestern part of
the Pacific Ocean?
A. hurricane C. tsunami
B. tornado D. typhoon

2. In what year did super typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines?

A. 2011 C. 2013
B. 2012 D. 2014

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3. In what direction does a tropical cyclone usually move?
A. northeast C. southeast
B. northwest D. southwest

4. What is the wind speed of severe tropical storm?

A. 62 – 88 kph C. 118 – 220 kph B. 89 – 117 kph D. more than 220

5. During a typhoon, Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) is issued over the
affected area. What is the impact of the wind when PSWS signal is 4?
A. no to light damage
B. light to moderate damage
C. moderate to heavy damage
D. heavy to very heavy damage

6. What should be done after a typhoon?

A. Store sufficient amount of food.
B. Always ready with the emergency kit.
C. Keep monitoring the typhoon’s movement.
D. Boil water before drinking as it may be contaminated.

7. Tropical cyclones are not formed on which part of the Pacific Ocean?
A. northeastern C. southeastern B. northwestern D. southwestern

8. What happens to a typhoon when it makes a landfall?

A. gets weaker C. gets stronger
B. stays longer D. moves faster

9. How do landforms affect typhoon?

A. no effect at all
B. increase wind direction
C. serve as a fuel to travelling air masses making typhoon stronger
D. serve as an obstacle for travelling air masses making typhoon weaker

10. Which statement is INCORRECT?

A. Warm bodies of ocean water are the main source in the formation of
typhoon.
B. Warm bodies of ocean water build up increasing the wind speed of
typhoon.
C. Air from surrounding areas with lower air pressure pushes to the
highpressure area.
D. Tropical cyclone does not form in the South Atlantic Ocean due to its
lower temperature.
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11. Which is NOT a factor in the formation of a typhoon?
A. high humidity
B. warm river water
C. warm ocean water
D. optimal location of typhoon

12. Which set of weather conditions characterizes the eye of tropical

cyclone?
A. light winds, no clouds, no rains, and high temperatures
B. heavy winds, no clouds, no rains, and high temperatures
C. light winds, large clouds, heavy rains, and low temperatures
D. heavy winds, large clouds, heavy rains, and low temperatures

13. Which will occur as results of tropical cyclone?

A. strong wind, light rainfall, tornado, and tsunami
B. strong wind, heavy rainfall, flood, and storm surge
C. strong wind, heavy rainfall, storm surge, and earthquake
D. strong wind, light rainfall, pyroclastic flow, and earthquake

14. Which best describes leeward side?

A. Leeward side has abundant life forms.
B. Leeward side receives a lot of precipitation.
C. Leeward side has plenty of vegetation due to abundance of
precipitation.
D. Leeward side has less vegetation because moist in the air is
accumulated in the windward side.

15. What is the difference among cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons?

A. Typhoons are faster than cyclones but slower than hurricanes.
B. Cyclones are bigger than hurricanes but smaller than typhoons.
C. Hurricanes are stronger than cyclones but weaker than typhoons.
D. Cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons occur in different geographical
areas.

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 Answer Key

Lesson 1:

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23
Do not forget to
answer this
part. It will be
checked and
recorded by the
subject
teacher.
Lesson 2: