Sequence of a tropical storm and development

• What are the steps in the development of tropical storms?

  1. Warm moist air ascending from the ocean
  2. The Eye Wall - precipitation and wind is greatest here
  3. Cooler drier air descending
  4. Warm moist air spirals in an anti-clockwise direction
  5. The Eye - the calmest part of the hurricane
  6. Tall cumulus clouds
  7. A Rain Band - produces bursts of heavy rainfall and wind
• First step of sequence of a tropical storm

  Tropical storms form between approximately 5° and 30° latitude. Because of easterly winds they initially move westward.
• Second step of sequence of a tropical storm

  The air above the warm ocean is heated. Once the ocean water reaches at least 27°C, the warm air rises quickly, causing an area of very low pressure.
• Third step of sequence of a tropical storm

  As the air continues to rise quickly it draws more warm moist air up from above the ocean leading to strong winds.
• Fourth step of sequence of a tropical storm

  The rapidly rising warm air spirals upwards, cools, condenses and large cumulonimbus clouds form.
• Fifth step of a tropical storm sequence

  These clouds form the eye wall of the storm and produce heavy rainfall.
• Sixth step of a tropical storm sequence 


  In the centre of the storm, cold air sinks forming the eye of the storm - here, conditions are calm and dry.