IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) - Old Topic 2.4F Tropical Cyclones Notes & Questions (HL)

IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) - Old Topic 2.4F Tropical Cyclones Notes & Questions (HL) | RevisionDojo

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Tropical Cyclones: Warm Oceans Power the Most Destructive Storms

Definition

Tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones are rapidly rotating storm systems that develop over warm ocean waters in the tropics.

A tropical cyclone is an intense low-pressure system with a calm centre, the eye, surrounded by spiralling bands of thunderstorms.
Every tropical cyclone brings three main hazards:
1. Very strong winds, often exceeding 119 km/h.
2. Heavy rainfall and flooding.
3. Thunderstorms and coastal storm surges.
Once sustained winds reach 119 km/h, the same type of storm takes a different name by region:
1. Hurricanes in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific.
2. Typhoons in the western Pacific.
3. Cyclones in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific.

Note

Tropical cyclones are among the most dangerous natural hazards to humans, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

The Structure of a Tropical Cyclone

Eye: the central, calm region of lowest pressure.
Eyewall: the ring of towering thunderstorms with the strongest winds and heaviest rain.
Rainbands: spiralling arms of heavy rain and storms extending outward.
Outflow: air diverging aloft, which helps maintain the low pressure below.

Conditions Required for Formation

Warm ocean surface: sea-surface temperatures must exceed 26.5°C to supply enough latent heat.
Moist atmosphere: abundant water vapour fuels condensation and releases energy.
Low wind shear: calm upper winds let the storm build vertically.
Coriolis effect: the Earth's rotation makes the system spin, giving it its spiral shape.
Pre-existing disturbance: a small low-pressure area acts as the seed for the cyclone.

Tip

Cyclones do not form directly on the equator because the Coriolis effect is zero there, so the system cannot start rotating.

Formation Process

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IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) - Old 2.4F Tropical Cyclones Notes

Tropical Cyclones: Warm Oceans Power the Most Destructive Storms

The Structure of a Tropical Cyclone

Conditions Required for Formation

Formation Process

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Tropical Cyclones: Warm Oceans Power the Most Destructive Storms

The Structure of a Tropical Cyclone

Conditions Required for Formation

Formation Process

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

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