Hurricane formation Flashcards
Describes the factors that lead to a hurricane forming
What are the other names for hurricanes in different parts of the world?
Typhoons and cyclones.
Where do most hurricanes begin?
They begin as tropical disturbances which are elongated areas of low air pressure, often forming over the warm waters near the equator, especially off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean.
What sea surface temperature is typically needed for a hurricane to form?
Above 26.5°C
How do warm ocean waters contribute to the formation of hurricanes?
Warm ocean waters act as the ‘fuel’ for the hurricane. As the seawater evaporates, it rises and condenses into water vapour, releasing latent heat into the atmosphere, causing surrounding air to rise
What role does atmospheric instability play in hurricane formation?
The release of latent heat causes the warm, moist air above the ocean’s surface to rise. As this air ascends, cooler air rushes in, creating a cycle that produces strong winds and thunderstorms.
Why is low wind shear essential for the development of hurricanes?
Low wind shear is essential because high wind shear can disrupt the vertical structure of the storm, preventing it from organizing and growing.
How does the Earth’s rotation contribute to the formation of cyclones?
The Coriolis effect, due to Earth’s rotation, causes the developing system to start rotating. Without the Coriolis effect, the winds wouldn’t circulate around the low-pressure center.
Why do tropical cyclones rarely form near the equator?
The Coriolis effect varies with latitude, which means its influence is weaker near the equator.
At what sustained wind speeds is a system classified as a tropical depression?
Between 23-39 mph.
When is a cyclone upgraded to a tropical storm?
When its sustained winds range between 39 mph and 73 mph.
How are hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones differentiated by region?
Hurricanes are in the North Atlantic, central and eastern North Pacific, typhoons are in the northwest Pacific, and cyclones are in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
What factors can lead to the weakening and eventual dissipation of a hurricane?
Moving over cooler waters, encountering high wind shear, or making landfall.
What are the structural components of a hurricane?
The eye (calm centre), eyewall (ring of intense thunderstorms and high winds around the eye), and rainbands (bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms radiating out from the eyewall).
Why is predicting the exact path and intensity of hurricanes still a challenge?
While the general process of hurricane formation is understood, it remains an active area of research, and many factors can influence a hurricane’s path and intensity.
