Understanding tropical cyclones involves studying their intensity, classification, and the environmental factors that influence their formation and intensification. These factors include sea surface temperatures, vertical wind shear, and interactions with land or other weather systems. The text also explores methods for assessing cyclone intensity, such as the Dvorak technique and metrics like Accumulated Cyclone Energy.
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Tropical cyclones are intense circular storm systems that originate over warm tropical oceans and are characterized by high wind speeds and a low-pressure center
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes into five categories based on their intensity, with Category 5 representing the most intense storms
Record-Breaking Tropical Cyclones
Typhoon Tip holds the record for the lowest central pressure ever recorded in a tropical cyclone, while Hurricane Patricia holds the record for the highest maximum sustained winds recorded in the Western Hemisphere
The genesis and intensification of tropical cyclones are contingent upon several environmental conditions, including sea surface temperatures, the depth of warm water, and the forward speed of the cyclone
Vertical wind shear, the change in wind speed or direction with height, can disrupt the structure of a tropical cyclone and inhibit its intensification
Dry air intrusion into a tropical cyclone can weaken the storm by disrupting the moist convection necessary for its maintenance
Oceanic upwelling, which brings cooler water to the surface, can weaken a tropical cyclone by reducing the energy available to it
Rapid intensification is a phenomenon where a tropical cyclone's maximum sustained winds increase by at least 30 knots within 24 hours, requiring a combination of high ocean heat content, low vertical wind shear, and conducive atmospheric conditions
Tropical cyclones can weaken rapidly due to land interaction, movement over cooler waters, entrainment of dry air, or adverse atmospheric conditions
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Origin of tropical cyclones
Form over warm tropical oceans.
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Main characteristics of tropical cyclones
High wind speeds, low-pressure center.
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Primary measure for cyclone intensity
Maximum sustained wind speeds.
