Tropical Cyclones

A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system that generally forms over warm tropical oceans. Cyclones are characterised by a well-defined surface circulation, with maximum sustained winds occurring at low levels near the centre of the storm. They can produce heavy rains, high winds, and flooding. Cyclones can also cause extensive damage to coastal areas, ships, and aircraft. In this blog post, we will be discussing Cyclones Tropical and how it is formed?

What are Tropical Cyclones?

A tropical cyclone is a rapidly revolving storm system characterised by a low-pressure centre, heavy rain, and strong winds. Tropical cyclones typically form over large bodies of warm water and they are fueled by the release of heat energy from the evaporation of water from the ocean surface.

Tropical cyclones are often referred to as hurricanes or typhoons, depending on where they occur. In the Atlantic Ocean and the Northeast Pacific Ocean, the term hurricane is used. In the Northwest Pacific Ocean, these storms are referred to as typhoons, and in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, they are called cyclones.

How are Tropical Cyclones formed?

Tropical cyclones are typically formed when the atmosphere over warm ocean waters near the equator starts to spin. The tropical cyclone arises when water vapour and heat are transferred from the warm ocean to the overlying air, firstly by the evaporation from the sea’s surface. Warm, moist air rises, expands, and cools swiftly, accumulating saturated and producing latent heat as a result of water vapour condensation. Typically the underlying ocean should have a temperature in excess of 26 degrees . The air column in the core of the developing disturbance gets warmed and wet as a result of this process. The temperature difference between both the warm, rising air and the cooler environment causes air to become buoyant, allowing it to rise faster. 

If the sea surface is too cold, there will be inadequate heat as well as the rate of evaporation will be insufficient to supply fuel to the tropical cyclone. Because the heated surface water layer is not deep enough, the energy supply will be cut off as well. Since the tropical system alters the underlying ocean, this occurs. Because of the rain coming from the deep convective clouds, the sea surface cools, and the high winds in the storm’s centre increase turbulence. The fuel supply for the tropical system will be eliminated if the resultant mixing brings cool water from below the surface layer to the surface. The formation of a tropical cyclone is not triggered by the vertical movement of warm air. As a result, if warm, moist air enters into an already disturbed environment, only development will occur.

It is said that the suitable conditions for the formation of tropical storms shall have a huge sea surface with temperature above 27 degree, and presence of Coriolis force shall be there. Tropical cyclones can occur anywhere within the tropics, but they are most common in the areas of the world where the warmest ocean waters are found. This includes the Atlantic and Pacific oceans near the equator. Tropical cyclones typically form between June and November, with peak activity occurring in August and September.

What is the distribution of Tropical Cyclones?

Tropical cyclones distribution is around the globe near the tropics. Most commonly, they form in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans near the equator. However, they can occur anywhere within the tropics. Tropical cyclones typically form between June and November, with peak activity occurring in August and September. On average, about 80 tropical cyclones form each year, with about 50 of these becoming hurricanes/typhoons.

Where do Tropical Cyclones occur most frequently?

Tropical cyclones occur most frequently in the areas of the world where the warmest ocean waters are found. This includes the Atlantic and Pacific oceans near the equator. Tropical cyclones typically form between June and November, with peak activity occurring in August and September. On average, about 80 tropical cyclones form each year, with about 50 of these becoming hurricanes/typhoons.

What is the most active month for Tropical Cyclones?

The most active month for tropical cyclones is typically August or September. This is when the warmest ocean waters are found near the equator in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. On average, about 80 tropical cyclones form each year, with about 50 of these becoming hurricanes/typhoons.

What factors influence the formation of Tropical Cyclones?

There are a few key factors that influence the formation of tropical cyclones. These include warm ocean waters near the equator, areas of low pressure in the atmosphere, and thunderstorms. Tropical cyclones typically form between June and November, with peak activity occurring in August and September.

Conclusion

Overall, tropical cyclones are relatively rare events. However, when they do occur, they can have devastating consequences. Cyclones can cause extensive damage to infrastructure and lead to loss of life. For this reason, it is important to understand how these storms form and where they are most likely to occur. Additionally, effective planning and preparedness measures can help to minimise the impact of these storms.

Tropical Cyclones typically form over warm ocean waters near the equator. These storms derive their energy from the release of latent heat as moist air rises and condenses. Cyclones can occur throughout the year, but they are most common in late summer and early fall. Additionally, cyclones tend to be more frequent and intense in the western Pacific Ocean.