Tropical cyclone

Tropical Cyclone

A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain. Depending on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone is referred to by names such as hurricane (hurricane), typhoon (typhoon), tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression, and simply cyclone.

Formation[edit | edit source]

Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The process begins when warm, moist air over the ocean rises upward from near the surface. As this air moves up and away from the ocean surface, it causes an area of lower air pressure below. Air from surrounding areas with higher air pressure pushes in to the low-pressure area. Then, this "new" air becomes warm and moist and rises, too. As the warmed, moist air rises and cools off, the water in the air forms clouds. The whole system of clouds and wind spins and grows, fed by the ocean's heat and water evaporating from the surface.

Classification[edit | edit source]

Tropical cyclones are classified into three main groups, based on intensity: tropical depressions, tropical storms, and a third group which is divided into three categories: hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, depending on where the storm occurs. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating, based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes that reach category 3 or higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage.

Impact[edit | edit source]

Tropical cyclones can cause widespread destruction when they make landfall. Their impacts include strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy rains and storm surges can lead to flooding and can disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and disrupt the supply of water and food. The strong winds of a cyclone can cause widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and power lines.

Preparedness and Response[edit | edit source]

Preparedness for tropical cyclones involves continuous monitoring of weather forecasts, securing property, and having an evacuation plan. Governments and disaster response organizations coordinate efforts to evacuate people from the path of the storm, provide shelters, and mobilize resources for recovery and aid to affected areas.

Research and Monitoring[edit | edit source]

Research into tropical cyclones plays a critical role in understanding their behavior, predicting their movements, and mitigating their impacts. Organizations like the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) are key in monitoring and forecasting tropical cyclone activity.