Definition of Tropical cyclone:

Tropical cyclones are low pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters. They typically form
when the sea-surface temperature is above 26.5°C. Tropical cyclones can continue for many days, even
weeks, and may follow quite erratic paths. A cyclone will dissipate once it moves over land or over
cooler oceans.

How do tropical cyclones form?

A cluster of thunderstorms can develop over warm tropical oceans. If that cluster persists in an area of
low pressure, it can start rotating. If the conditions are just right, the cluster of thunderstorms can grow
in size and sustain itself and then develop into a tropical cyclone.

Once developed, a tropical cyclone is like a giant, atmospheric heat engine. The moisture from the warm
ocean acts as it's fuel, generating huge amounts of energy as clouds form.

The rotating thunderstorms form spiral rainbands around the centre (eye) of the cyclone where the
strongest winds and heaviest rain are found (eye wall), transporting heat 15 km or higher into the
atmosphere. The drier cooler air at the top of the atmosphere becomes the exhaust gas of the heat
engine.Some of the cool air sinks into the low-pressure region at the centre of the cyclone, hence
causing the relatively calm eye. The eye is usually about 40 km wide but can range from 10 to over 100
km, with light winds and often clear skies. The rest of the cool air spirals outward, away from the
cyclone centre, sinking in the regions between the rainbands.

Tropical Cyclone Structure:

The main parts of a tropical cyclone are the rainbands, the eye, and the eyewall. Air spirals in toward
the center in a counter-clockwise pattern in the northern hemisphere (clockwise in the southern
hemisphere), and out the top in the opposite direction.

In the very center of the storm, air sinks, forming an "eye" that is mostly cloud-

Characteristics of tropical cyclone:-

Size of tropical cyclone- On average they are smaller than a temperate cyclone. Their diameter ranges
between 500– 600 km. Sometimes their diameter is restricted to 50 km or even less.

Pressure- Due to a steep pressure gradient, they are more intense than temperate cyclones. The central
pressure varies between 50-60 Mb. Tropical cyclones are associated with the extreme velocity of the
wind.

Intensity- These low-pressure centres are vigorous over the oceans but become weak over land. They
die out after reaching the interior of the continents. These cyclones are energised by the release of
latent heat of condensation.

Mobility- Tropical cyclones are not always mobile. Sometimes they become stationary over a place for
several days and cause heavy precipitation. They move in well-frequented tracks.

Direction- They move westward under the influence of prevailing trade winds.

Areas- Tropical cyclones are found in well-defined areas in certain seasons. They develop mostly in the
tropical oceans between 5° to 20° latitudes.

Identification- A great variety of these cyclones can be identified based on their shape, size and
associated weather.

Circular centre of a cyclone– The almost circular centre is the most fascinating feature of a tropical
cyclone which is called its eye. The diameter of an eye varies between 8 to 50km.

Impacts of tropical cyclones:-

 Tropical cyclones are dangerous because they can produce extreme winds, heavy rainfall with flooding
and damaging storm surge that can cause inundation of low-lying coastal areas.

Wind

Cyclones have gale force winds with wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h around their centre. In the most
severe cyclones, gusts can exceed 280 km/h. These winds can cause extensive property damage and
turn airborne debris into potentially lethal missiles. It is important to remember when the eye of a
cyclone passes over a location, there will be a temporary lull in the wind, but that this will soon be
replaced by destructive winds from another direction.

Rain

Heavy rainfall associated with the passage of a tropical cyclone can produce extensive flooding. This can
cause further damage. The heavy rain can persist as the cyclone moves inland and weakens into a low
pressure system, hence flooding due to an ex-tropical cyclone can occur a long way from where the
cyclone made landfall.

Storm surge

As well as extreme winds, a tropical cyclone can cause the sea to rise well above the highest tide levels
of the year when it comes ashore. These storm surges are caused mainly by strong, onshore winds and
also reduced atmospheric pressure. Potentially, the storm surge is the most dangerous hazard
associated with a tropical cyclone.