Tropical Cyclones: Formation and Structure
Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons, are powerful storm systems that form over warm tropical waters. They only develop in areas where sea surface temperatures exceed 26.5°C, typically occurring during summer and early autumn.
Vocabulary: Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure systems characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Key characteristics of tropical cyclones include:
- Low-pressure center
- Warm, moist air rising through the atmosphere
- Rotation influenced by the Earth's spin
The structure of a tropical cyclone consists of a cylinder of rising, spiraling air that can reach up to 10 km in height and 640 km in width.
Highlight: Tropical cyclones move westward due to easterly winds and spin away from the equator.
Saffir-Simpson Scale and Cyclone Formation
The Saffir-Simpson Scale categorizes tropical cyclones based on their intensity:
- Category 1: Some damage to trees, roofs, and windows
- Category 2: Moderate damage
- Category 3: Structural damage to buildings and flooding
- Category 4: Major destruction of buildings and severe flooding
- Category 5: Catastrophic damage
Tropical cyclones form under specific conditions:
- Warm sea temperatures (above 26.5°C)
- High humidity with abundant moisture
- Rapid cooling of rising air to generate energy
Factors that intensify or weaken tropical cyclones:
- Sea surface temperatures above 26.5°C
- Low wind shear
- High humidity
- Landfall (causes weakening due to loss of energy source)
- Movement into areas with colder water