A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation. source
A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation.
Tropical cyclones typically form over large bodies of relatively warm water. source
Tropical cyclones typically form over large bodies of relatively warm water.
Tropical cyclones derive their energy through the evaporation of water from the ocean surface. source
Tropical cyclones derive their energy through the evaporation of water from the ocean surface.
This energy source differs from that of mid-latitude cyclonic storms, such as nor'easters and European windstorms, source
This energy source differs from that of mid-latitude cyclonic storms, such as nor'easters and European windstorms,
Tropical cyclones are typically between 100 and 2,000 km (62 and 1,243 mi) in diameter. source
Tropical cyclones are typically between 100 and 2,000 km (62 and 1,243 mi) in diameter.
Tropical cyclones are capable of generating high waves, damaging storm surge, and tornadoes. source
Tropical cyclones are capable of generating high waves, damaging storm surge, and tornadoes.
Tropical cyclones are areas of relatively low pressure in the troposphere. source
Tropical cyclones are areas of relatively low pressure in the troposphere.
At the center of a mature tropical cyclone, air sinks rather than rises. source
At the center of a mature tropical cyclone, air sinks rather than rises.
A tropical cyclone's primary energy source is heat from the evaporation of water from the ocean surface, source
A tropical cyclone's primary energy source is heat from the evaporation of water from the ocean surface,
The passage of a tropical cyclone over the ocean causes the upper layers of the ocean to cool substantially. source
The passage of a tropical cyclone over the ocean causes the upper layers of the ocean to cool substantially.
November is the only month in which all the tropical cyclone basins are active. source
November is the only month in which all the tropical cyclone basins are active.
The formation of tropical cyclones is the topic of extensive ongoing research and is still not fully understood source
The formation of tropical cyclones is the topic of extensive ongoing research and is still not fully understood
While six factors appear to be generally necessary, tropical cyclones may occasionally form without meeting all of the following conditions. source
While six factors appear to be generally necessary, tropical cyclones may occasionally form without meeting all of the following conditions.
In addition to environmental steering, a tropical cyclone will tend to drift slowly poleward and westward, a motion known as "beta drift". source
In addition to environmental steering, a tropical cyclone will tend to drift slowly poleward and westward, a motion known as "beta drift".
A tropical cyclone can cease to have tropical characteristics in several different ways. source
A tropical cyclone can cease to have tropical characteristics in several different ways.
A tropical cyclone can dissipate when it moves over waters significantly below 26.5 °C (79.7 °F). source
A tropical cyclone can dissipate when it moves over waters significantly below 26.5 °C (79.7 °F).
