Tropical cyclones are severe weather phenomena that originate over warm tropical oceans, characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain. They’ve been known to cause severe devastation in regions where they make landfall, as was recently the case with Cyclone Sitrang in Bangladesh, the first tropical cyclone of the post-monsoon season in 2022. This article will delve into details about cyclones, how they form, and their categorization by type.
Categorization of Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are given different names depending on the region in which they occur. In the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific, they’re called hurricanes, while in SouthEast Asia and China, they go by typhoons. These storms are identified as tropical cyclones in the southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean region, and in north-western Australia, they acquire the name willy-willies. The direction of rotation in these cyclones also varies according to the hemisphere: counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Factors Favoring Formation and Intensification of Tropical Storms
Several conditions contribute to the development and intensification of tropical storms. These comprise large sea surfaces with temperatures exceeding 27°C, the presence of the Coriolis force, minimal variations in vertical wind speed, an existing weak low-pressure area or low-level cyclonic circulation, and upper divergence above the sea level system.
Stages of Tropical Cyclone Formation
The life cycle of a tropical cyclone involves three key stages: the formation and initial development stage, the mature stage, and the modification and decay stage. The formation of the cyclone depends on the transfer of water vapor and heat from the warm ocean to the air above, leading to the formation of massive vertical cumulus clouds. As the cyclone matures, air rises in thunderstorms and spreads out at the tropopause level, forming a warm ‘eye’ or low-pressure center. Eventually, the cyclone begins to weaken once its source of warm moist air starts to dwindle or is suddenly cut off.
Questions About Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are a subject of numerous queries in various examinations. One common question pertains to the reason why cyclones do not originate in the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes. The answer lies in the rare occurrence of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over these regions, which makes it difficult for cyclones to form. Another question involves the use of the cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere. These methods are suggested by scientists as measures to reduce global warming. Lastly, there’s often confusion about whether all cyclones develop an eye (the calm center of the cyclone). The reality is that only some cyclones, particularly tropical cyclones, develop an eye.
Naming of Tropical Cyclones
The naming of cyclones across the world follows an international convention, with each region adhering to its predetermined list of names. The name Cyclone Sitrang, for instance, was given by Thailand, while a previous cyclone on the east coast of India was named “Phailin.”
Understanding tropical cyclones, their formation, naming, and the causes behind their devastating effects is crucial in mitigating their impacts and improving disaster response mechanisms.
