What is Tropical Cyclone?
A tropical cyclone is an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans. It is also called a hurricane or a typhoon. It is characterized by low atmospheric pressure and heavy rain, and its winds exceed 119 km (74 miles) per hour. In extreme cases, winds may exceed 240km (150 miles) per hour, and gusts may surpass 320km (200 miles) per hour.
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What are the differences between
tropical cyclones, hurricanes, & typhoons?
tropical cyclones, hurricanes, & typhoons?
Tropical cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons are all the same type of storm but are named differently depending on where they are formed.
Where are Typhoons Occur?
Tropical cyclones that occur in the west or northwest areas of the Pacific Ocean, specifically in East Asia and north of Australia, are called typhoons.
Where are Hurricanes Occur?
Hurricanes occur above the North Atlantic Ocean, in the central North Pacific Ocean (including around the Hawaiian Islands) or in the eastern North Pacific Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico).
Where are Tropical Cyclones Occur?
If the cyclone takes place outside of specific ocean areas, it's known as a tropical cyclone. Any tropical storm below the equator, for example, is a tropical cyclone. Cyclones occurred in the Indian Ocean or South pacific are also called tropical cyclones.
Tropical cyclones that occur in the west or northwest areas of the Pacific Ocean, specifically in East Asia and north of Australia, are called typhoons.
Where are Hurricanes Occur?
Hurricanes occur above the North Atlantic Ocean, in the central North Pacific Ocean (including around the Hawaiian Islands) or in the eastern North Pacific Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico).
Where are Tropical Cyclones Occur?
If the cyclone takes place outside of specific ocean areas, it's known as a tropical cyclone. Any tropical storm below the equator, for example, is a tropical cyclone. Cyclones occurred in the Indian Ocean or South pacific are also called tropical cyclones.
How a tropical cyclone is formed?
Here is the diagram of how tropical cyclones are formed on the right side.
- > A low-pressure storm system = Thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain -> Develop over warm sea (26.5-degree Celsius), low-pressure, high evaporation = Water vapor rises, cools, condenses and release large amount of heavy energy = Latent heat of condensation =Further increases evaporation results in stronger development |
<Typhoons>
What is a Typhoon?
Typhoon is defined as a tropical cyclone with the maximum wind of 34 knots or higher.
It is NOT the same as monsoon. They have different characteristics to each other. What causes Typhoons?
Some of the cool air sinks into the low-pressure region at the center of the cyclone, hence causing the relatively calm eye. The eye is usually about 40 km wide but can range from 10 to over 100 km, with light winds and often clear skies. The rest of the cool air spirals outward, away from the cyclone center, sinking in the regions between the rainbands.
As long as the environmental conditions support this atmospheric heat engine, the tropical cyclone can maintain its structure and even intensify over several days. Intensity scale of a Typhoon
Super Typhoon
= sustained winds of 220 km/h (119 knots) Typhoon = sustained winds of 118-220 km/h (64-119 knots) Severe tropical storm = sustained winds of 89-117km/h (48-63 knots) Tropical Storm = sustained winds of 62-88km/h (34-47 knots) Tropical Degression = sustained winds of less than 61 km/h (less than 33 knots) What happen while typhoon?Typhoons can wreak havoc on coastlines and up to several hundred kilometers inland. They can generate gusts of up to 250 kph (155 mph), as well as tornadoes and microbursts. Typhoons can also cause storm surges along the coast, as well as major damage from torrential rain.
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<Hurricanes>
What is a Hurricane?A tropical storm with extreme winds & rain and it reached a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more. The eye of a storm is usually 20-30 miles wide and may extend over 400 miles.
What causes Hurricane?To form hurricanes, warm ocean waters and thunderstorms fuel power energy is needed. In the beginning, tropical wave forms low pressure areas so it can move through the moisturized area. By doing that, thunderstorm will get stronger.
Hurricane Scale by wind speedCategory 1 (Minimal)
= sustained winds of 74-95 mph Category 2 (Extensive) = sustained winds of 96-110 mph Category 3 (Devastating) = sustained winds of 111-129 mph Category 4 (Catastrophic) = sustained winds of 130-156 mph Category 5 (Catastrophic) = sustained winds of 157 mph or higher What happen during hurricane?
The wind, rain, and storm surge from these storms obliterate the shoreline, towns, and cities in their path. A rise in the ocean brought on by a storm's winds is known as a storm surge. The highest surge has been recorded to exceed 25 feet and is normally to the hurricane's right.
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