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Hazards

Tropical Storm Formation and Intensification

  • 4 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Recall questions on the sea surface temperature and depth needed for tropical storms, the Coriolis effect and why they do not form near the equator, low wind shear, and the intensification cycle of rising air, condensation and latent heat release as positive feedback.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Numbers

What minimum sea surface temperature is required for tropical storm formation, and to what depth?

Key term

Why do tropical storms not form within approximately 5° of the equator?

Key term

What atmospheric condition regarding wind shear is required for tropical storm development?

Key term

How does the release of latent heat contribute to tropical storm intensification?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a tropical storm?

    Model answer

    An intense low-pressure weather system that forms over warm tropical oceans, characterised by strong rotating winds, heavy rainfall, and a central eye of calm conditions.

  2. 2

    What minimum sea surface temperature is required for tropical storm formation, and to what depth?

    Model answer

    At least 27°C to a depth of around 60 metres.

  3. 3

    Why do warm ocean waters need to extend to approximately 60 metres depth for tropical storm formation?

    Model answer

    To provide sufficient energy through evaporation and latent heat release; shallow warm water would be mixed with cooler water below, reducing available energy.

  4. 4

    What role does the Coriolis effect play in tropical storm formation?

    Model answer

    It causes the deflection of winds that initiates the rotation necessary for storm development.

  5. 5

    Why do tropical storms not form within approximately 5° of the equator?

    Model answer

    The Coriolis effect is negligible at these latitudes, so there is insufficient deflection to initiate the rotation needed for storm formation.

  6. 6

    What atmospheric condition regarding wind shear is required for tropical storm development?

    Model answer

    Low wind shear in the upper atmosphere is required.

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