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Tropical cyclones typically in late summer due to favorable environmental conditions,

including warm ocean temperatures, high humidity and low wind shear. These factors
provide the necessary energy and moisture for cyclone formation and intensification.

The Coriolis force and latent heat are two crucial factors that play a significant role in the
development of tropical cyclones. The Coriolis force is an effect caused by the rotation of
the Earth, which results in the deflection of moving air masses. In the context of tropical
cyclones, the Coriolis force is essential for cyclonic circulation of the storm. Without Coriolis
force, tropical cyclones would not be able to develop their characteristic rotation.
1. The Coriolis force helps to initiate the spin of a developing tropical disturbance,
leading to the formation of a low- pressure center.
2. It helps to organize the development of spiral bands and the eye of the cyclone.
3. The Coriolis force also influences the movement and trajectory of tropical cyclones,
steering them on a generally westward path in the tropics and poleward as they
intensify.

Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance, such
as water vapor condensing into liquid water. In the context of tropical cyclones , the release
of latent heat is a critical source energy that drives the intensification of these storms,
1. As warm, moist air rises in the core of a developing tropical cyclone , it cools and
condenses, releasing latent heat into the atmosphere.
2. This released latent heat warms the surrounding air, causing it to rise and creating a
feedback loop of further convection and heat release.
3. The continuous release of latent heat fuels the development of the tropical cyclone,
helping to sustain the storm’s strength and structure.
Tropical cyclone Freddy is in its developmental stage, characterized by organized
thunderstorm activity, low-pressure systems, and potential rotation. Warm ocean waters
provide energy, fueling its growth. Tropical cyclone Freddy went through various stages of
development , from a tropical disturbance to a tropical depression, then to a tropical storm
finally a category 1 hurricane.
Despite its relatively low category classification, category 1 tropical cyclones like Freddy can
surprisingly be more destructive than category 5. This is due to various factors like size and
speed, category 1 can be larger and slower- moving than category 5 cyclones, allowing them
to linger over an area for a longer period, causing prolonged rainfall and flooding.
Secondly we have storm surges, even though category 1 cyclones have lower wind speeds,
they can still generate significant storm surges, especially if they affect shallow coastal areas
or bays. This surge, combined with high tides, can result in extensive flooding.

We the have infrastructure and preparedness, regions accustomed to frequent cyclones


may have better infrastructure and preparedness measures in place for higher category
storms, while they might underestimate the potential effect of category 1 storm, leading to
more significant damage.
Another factor is location and terrain, category 1 cyclones can strike populated areas
directly or pass over vulnerable regions, such as coastal plains or areas prone to landslides.
Lastly we have rainfall and flooding, Category 1 cyclones can produce heavy rainfall over a
large area, leading to widespread flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage, eve if their
wind speed are relatively low compared to higher category storms.

Impact of tropical cyclones


Environment: Tropical cyclones can cause significant damage to natural habitats, including
forests, wetlands and coral reefs, through strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges and
erosion. Flooding from cyclones can lead to soil erosion, contamination of water sources,
and destruction of wildlife habitats.

In, Quelimane, Cyclone Freddy, resulted in the loss of lives, massively destroyed
infrastructure, displacement and affected the livelihoods of local people.
Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and dunes , provide protection from storm surges
and erosion , but they can be severely impacted by cyclones, leading to long- term
ecological consequences.
Economy: The economic impacts of tropical cyclones can be substantial including damage to
infrastructure agriculture, tourism, and industry.
Destruction of buildings , roads, bridges and other infrastructure requires significant
resources for repair and reconstruction. Cyclones can disrupt agricultural activities, damage
crops, and livestock leading to food shortages and loos of income for farmers.

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