Tropical Cyclone

Tropical cyclones are massive storm systems that may generate strong winds and heavy rain, as well as high waves, storm surges and even tornadoes. They are characterized by a low-pressure center, called the eye, around which thunderstorms rotate rapidly and spiral outward. Tropical cyclones originate over warm oceans and seas, where the evaporation of large amounts of water creates a vast energy source for storms. Colossal rain clouds form as the hot, moist air rises up in the atmosphere, cools and becomes saturated with water, while the strong rotating winds result from the conservation of angular momentum as the air flows towards the eye of the storm. Together, these processes result in an intense atmospheric circulation system that may continue to grow in size and strength under the right conditions. Tropical cyclones may also be classified as hurricanes or typhoons, depending on their strength and location.


Information source: Encyclopaedia Brittannica, Wikipedia

Image: Cyclone Catarina above the South Atlantic as seen from ISS on March 26, 2004. Credit: NASA.

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