characteristics, distribution and measurement of tropical storms

How do tropical storms actually form?

Tropical storms form over oceans that are at least about 26–27°C. The warm ocean heats the air above it, causing warm, moist air to rise. As this air rises, it cools and the water vapour condenses into clouds, releasing heat. This released heat makes the air rise even more, creating a continuous cycle that builds tall storm clouds.
The rising air leaves an area of low pressure at the surface, so more air rushes in and the whole system begins to rotate because of the Earth’s spin. As the storm becomes stronger, spiral rainbands form around the centre. If the cyclone becomes very intense, a calm “eye” can develop in the middle.

Tropical storms can only form in a short band of 8-20 degrees north or south of the equator. This area is split up into areas which call the storms something different, try and remember this:

• Hurricane is USA area because of the American song Hurricane Katrina

• Typhoon like Thai-phoon as it is the region near Thailand

• Cyclone By imagining king Julian cycling to Australia as that is the general region

Saffir - Simpson hurricane wind scale

The saffir-Simpson scale has 5 categories:

CAT 1: 74-95 mph, minimal damage

CAT 2: 96-110 mph, moderate damage

CAT 3: 111-129 mph, extensive damage

CAT 4: 130-156 mph, extreme damage

CAT 5: 157+ mph, catastrophic damage