Tropical cyclones

• Found in the tropics of cancer and Capricorn, not equatorial.
• Measured on the saffir-simpson scale, 0-5.
• Formation occurs due to a latent heat transfer from at least 27 degree seas. Converging winds are heated by the sea, causing it to rise forming storm clouds.
• Hurricane season is June to October.
• Cyclones die out as the reach higher altitudes due to friction.
• The spinning effect is caused by the Coriolis force, which doesn't act on the equator.
• The eye of a cyclone is the down draft of cooler denser air after it has risen. This causes a pocket of low pressure, which brings in winds from high pressure areas.
• Main hazards from cyclones are whirlpools of air, storm surges, flooding and landslides, and heavy rains.
• Hazards include storm surges, rain and flooding, landslides and high wind speeds.
• A cyclone is an area of huge low pressure, so it draws in high pressure winds which are rotated due to the Coriolis effect