This month we're covering Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones. (And tsunami's) We may know the words, but do we know what they are?
Hurricanes, Typhoons, Cyclones
Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones are the same weather phenomenon. The only difference is where in the ocean they occur. The word hurricane is used in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific. Typhoon is used when they occur in the Northwest Pacific. Cyclone is used in the South Pacific and Indian ocean.
What causes them?
Hurricanes (Typhoons and Cyclones) are intense low pressure areas for over warm ocean waters. The source of their energy is the water vapor that evaporates from the ocean surface. It then condenses to form clouds and rain. That warms up the surrounding air. The heat energy is released during this process so it cools the ocean. Usually when this happens the heat in the air (or forming thunderstorm) is carried away by a wind sheer (a change in the wind). When there is little wind sheer, the heat builds up causing low pressure to form. This low pressure causes the wind to blow spiraling downward into the center of the low. These winds evaporate more water from the ocean feeding more thunderstorms and rain showers. These storms are usually organized into bands, (Rainbands or Feederbands) along with the eyewall, that encircle the center of the storm. The eyewall or eye of the storm is where the strongest winds happen. They encircle the warmest air creating the calm part.
Sorry if this was confusing, comment if you want me to break it down more. Also check out the link below (one of my source) for a good explanation of how it happens. :)
Posted by Hope
Other sources:
https://www2.ucar.edu/news/backgrounders/hurricanes-typhoons-cyclones
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/cyclone.html
Sorry if this was confusing, comment if you want me to break it down more. Also check out the link below (one of my source) for a good explanation of how it happens. :)
Posted by Hope
Other sources:
https://www2.ucar.edu/news/backgrounders/hurricanes-typhoons-cyclones
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/cyclone.html