Inside Tropical Cyclones - Week 10

• Tropical cyclones - also

  known as hurricanes or

  typhoons depending on the

  region, are intense low-pressure

  systems characterized by strong

  winds, thunderstorms, and

  heavy rainfall. They form over

  warm ocean waters near the

  equator and are fueled by

  energy from evaporation and

  condensation processes.
• eye - a region at the

  center of the tropical cyclone

  characterized by calm weather,

  clear skies, and sinking air. It is

  typically circular and can range

  in size from a few kilometers to

  several tens of kilometers.
• Eyewall - Surrounding the eye is

  the eyewall, which is the most

  intense part of the tropical

  cyclone. It consists of a ring of

  powerful thunderstorms where

  the strongest winds and

  heaviest rainfall occur.
• Rainbands - Extending outward

  from the eyewall are rainbands,

  which are bands of clouds and

  thunderstorms that spiral

  around the cyclone. These

  rainbands can produce

  significant rainfall and gusty

  winds.
• Convection - Tropical cyclones

  are fueled by convective

  processes, which involve the

  rapid upward movement of

  warm, moist air. This convection

  releases latent heat, further

  fueling the cyclone's

  development.
• Coriolis

  effect - influences the cyclonic

  rotation of tropical cyclones. It

  deflects the air flowing towards

  the low-pressure center, causing

  the characteristic

  counterclockwise circulation in

  the Northern Hemisphere and

  clockwise circulation in the

  Southern Hemisphere.
• Vertical

  wind shear - the change in wind

  speed and direction with height,

  can impact the structure and

  intensity of tropical cyclones.

  High wind shear can disrupt

  their organization, while low

  wind shear allows for vertical

  alignment and intensification.
• Outflow - Tropical cyclones

  exhibit upper-level outflow,

  where air flows outward from

  the top of the storm. This

  outflow helps maintain the

  storm's balance and provides an

  environment conducive to its

  intensification.
• Eyewall Replacement Cycle -

  Tropical cyclones undergo

  eyewall replacement cycles,

  wherein a new eyewall forms

  outside the original eyewall. This

  process can temporarily weaken

  the storm's intensity but often

  leads to a larger and more

  stable system.
• Storm Surge - The strong winds

  and low atmospheric pressure in

  tropical cyclones can generate a

  storm surge, causing a rise in

  sea level along the coast. This

  surge, combined with large

  waves, can lead to significant

  coastal flooding.