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In meteorology, a tropical
cyclone (or tropical storm, typhoon or hurricane, depending on
strength and location) is a type of low-pressure system which
generally forms in the tropics. While some, particularly those
that make landfall in populated areas, are regarded as highly
destructive, tropical cyclones are an important part of the atmospheric
circulation system, which moves heat from the equatorial region
toward the higher latitudes.Structurally, a tropical cyclone is
a large, rotating area of clouds, wind, and thunderstorm activity.
The primary energy source of a tropical cyclone is the release
of heat of condensation from water vapor condensing at high altitudes.
Because of this, a tropical cyclone can be thought of as a giant
vertical heat engine.
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The ingredients
for a tropical cyclone include a pre-existing weather disturbance,
warm tropical oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds aloft.
If the right conditions persist long enough, they can combine
to produce the violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains,
and floods associated with this phenomenon. This use of condensation
as a driving force is the primary difference setting tropical
cyclones apart from other meteorological phenomena, such as mid-latitude
cyclones, which draw energy mostly from pre-existing temperature
gradients in the atmosphere. To drive its heat engine, a tropical
cyclone must stay over warm water, which provides the atmospheric
moisture needed. The evaporation of this moisture is driven by
the high winds and reduced atmospheric pressure present in the
storm, resulting in a sustaining cycle.
Above Images Are From The NOAA
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