A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, and organized thunderstorms that produce heavy rains and strong winds. These storms typically develop over warm ocean waters, and they can vary in intensity, leading to classifications such as tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes or typhoons, depending on the region.
Key features of tropical cyclones include:
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Warm Core: They derive their energy from warm ocean waters, usually at least 26 degrees Celsius (about 79 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Structure: A tropical cyclone typically has a central eye (a calm region), surrounded by eyewall clouds that contain the storm's most intense winds. The area outside the eye has spiral rainbands.
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Formation: They usually form in tropical and subtropical regions during the warm season, relying on the right environmental conditions such as low vertical wind shear and atmospheric instability.
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Classification: The intensity of a tropical cyclone is often measured using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes storms from Category 1 (minimal damage) to Category 5 (catastrophic damage) based on sustained wind speeds.
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Naming Conventions: Tropical cyclones are given names to facilitate communication about the storms. The naming conventions vary by region, with separate lists for different ocean basins.
Tropical cyclones can cause significant damage due to high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding when they make landfall.