Tropical Cyclones (Copy)
6.2 Tropical Cyclones – Cheat Sheet
Distribution
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Location | Form between 5°–20° north & south of the Equator (not at equator – no Coriolis force). |
| Regions | – Atlantic & Caribbean → Hurricanes – Pacific (East Asia) → Typhoons – Indian Ocean → Cyclones |
| Requirements | – Ocean surface temperature ≥ 27°C – Ocean depth ≥ 60 m – Coriolis force to spin the storm – Low wind shear for storm growth |
Causes
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Warm ocean heats air → rapid evaporation & rising moist air |
| 2 | Rising air cools → condensation → releases latent heat (fuels storm) |
| 3 | Low pressure forms, drawing in more moist air |
| 4 | Coriolis force causes system to spin → cyclone structure develops |
| 5 | Storm grows as long as warm water & favourable conditions remain |
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eye | Calm, low-pressure centre |
| Eye Wall | Most intense winds & rainfall |
| Rain Bands | Spirals of heavy rain & thunderstorms |
Quick Pointers
- Energy source = warm oceans (heat + moisture).
- Lose strength when moving over land/cold water.
- Major hazards: flooding, storm surges, strong winds.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course