How do tropical cyclones form?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the formation processes of tropical cyclones, which involves understanding various meteorological conditions such as warm ocean waters, atmospheric instability, and Coriolis effect.
Answer
Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters (27°C), under low pressure, and between 5° - 30° latitude. Warm, moist air rises and condenses, releasing heat and powering the cyclone. The Earth's rotation causes swirling winds, leading to the cyclone's spin.
Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters where the sea temperature is at least 27°C, typically in areas of low pressure between 5° - 30° latitude north or south of the equator. Warm, moist air rises and cools, causing condensation and releasing heat, which powers the cyclone. The Earth's rotation causes the winds to swirl, contributing to the cyclone's spin.
Answer for screen readers
Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters where the sea temperature is at least 27°C, typically in areas of low pressure between 5° - 30° latitude north or south of the equator. Warm, moist air rises and cools, causing condensation and releasing heat, which powers the cyclone. The Earth's rotation causes the winds to swirl, contributing to the cyclone's spin.
More Information
Tropical cyclones are known by different names in various regions: hurricanes in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, typhoons in the Northwest Pacific, and cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Tips
Common mistake: forgetting the effect of the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect) on the wind patterns. This is crucial for the spinning motion of the cyclone.
Sources
- Tropical Cyclone Introduction - NOAA - noaa.gov
- Development of tropical cyclones - Met Office - metoffice.gov.uk
- Tropical cyclone - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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